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Beijing Baiyun Temple is a peaceful and historic temple offering several activities for visitors:
Baiyun Temple is located on Baiyunguan Street outside Xibianmen in Xicheng District, Beijing. Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, it was a sacred site for Emperor Xuanzong of Tang to worship Laozi and was named Tianchang Temple. During the reign of Emperor Shizong of Jin, it was expanded and renamed Shifang Datianchang Temple. Later in the Jin Dynasty, it was rebuilt as Taiji Palace.
Baiyun Temple houses a large collection of precious cultural relics, the most famous of which are the "Three Treasures": the Ming edition of "Orthodox Taoist Canon", a Tang Dynasty stone carving of a seated Laozi, and the stone carvings of "Songxue Tao Te Ching" and "Yin Fu Jing" by the great Yuan Dynasty calligrapher Zhao Mengfu.
Here, you can visit the ancient Taoist architecture, burn incense and pay homage, and experience unique activities such as touching the stone monkey and punching the money hole to pray for yourself and your loved ones. Every year in the first month of the lunar year, Baiyun Temple also holds a traditional temple fair, which is very lively.
The temperate monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.
1-2 hours
10 yuan/person
08:30 - 16:30
Beijing Baiyun Temple, also known as the White Cloud Temple, is one of the oldest and most significant Taoist temples in Beijing. It dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and has played an important role in Taoist culture and religion. The temple is renowned for its serene atmosphere and is a place for Taoist priests to perform rituals and offer guidance. It’s also a key site for Taoist religious studies.
Beijing Baiyun Temple is located in the western part of Beijing, near the Fragrant Hills area. To get there:
Beijing Baiyun Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and to experience the peaceful atmosphere. The temple is particularly serene during weekdays and in the spring and autumn months.
The entrance fee to Beijing Baiyun Temple is typically around 10–20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased directly at the temple entrance. There is no online booking required for general entry.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for general visits. Simply purchase tickets at the temple when you arrive.
You can fully explore the temple in about 1–2 hours, depending on how much time you spend enjoying the peaceful environment and interacting with the monks.
Key highlights of the temple include:
Guided tours may be available in Mandarin, though English-speaking guides might be limited. It’s best to check in advance. Audio guides are generally not available, but temple staff can provide information in basic English if needed.
The best photography spots are within the temple grounds, especially around the main hall, the gardens, and the courtyards. The surrounding mountains and trees also provide beautiful natural backdrops, making it an ideal location for nature photography.
Start at the main entrance and explore the central courtyard. Visit the main hall first, then proceed to the surrounding areas and gardens. Don’t forget to take a walk around the temple's perimeter for some great scenic views.
There are no light shows or special tours offered at night. The temple is primarily a daytime attraction, with its peaceful and meditative atmosphere best experienced during daylight hours.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays, especially in the spring and autumn months. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities like toilets are available at the temple. However, there are limited food and shopping options inside the temple grounds. It’s advisable to bring your own water or snacks.
The temple grounds are generally accessible, but some areas have stairs and uneven pathways. Elderly and disabled visitors may find some parts of the temple challenging, so it’s best to check accessibility conditions before visiting.
Cash is commonly used for entry fees and small purchases. However, some shops and food vendors in the area may accept mobile payments such as WeChat Pay or Alipay. It’s a good idea to carry some cash with you just in case.
There are a few local restaurants near Baiyun Temple offering traditional Chinese dishes, but the temple itself does not have dining options. For a larger selection, you can head to the nearby Fragrant Hills area.
Vegetarian options are available at some local restaurants around Baiyun Temple. Vegan and halal options are less common but may be found in larger restaurants in Beijing.
Nearby hotels include:
Nearby attractions include:
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling Taoist-themed items like incense, prayer beads, and traditional Chinese crafts. These make for great mementos of your visit.
After visiting Baiyun Temple, you can take a taxi to nearby attractions like the Summer Palace or Fragrant Hills. Alternatively, public buses or the subway can take you back to central Beijing.
