
Badachu Park is located at the southern foot of the Xishan Scenic Area in the western suburbs of Beijing. Surrounded by three mountains, the park is named for its eight well-preserved ancient temples. It is also renowned for its naturally formed " Twelve Scenic Spots , " praised by ancient people as " the three mountains are like a magnificent house, the eight temples like antiques within the house , and the twelve scenic spots like the gardens outside . " Its natural beauty surpasses even the other scenic spots in Xishan .
The eight ancient temples were first built in the late Sui and early Tang dynasties, and were subsequently expanded upon through the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Five of these temples—Lingguang, Chang'an, Dabei, Xiangjie, and Zhengguo—were commissioned by imperial decree. The Liao Zhaoxian Pagoda at Lingguang Temple once housed the tooth relic of Sakyamuni Buddha. Badachu Park was destroyed by bombardment by the Eight-Nation Alliance in 1900. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Premier Zhou Enlai approved the construction of a new Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda.
The park boasts fertile soil and abundant vegetation. Among the trees are over 400,000 trees of over 80 species, including 590 rare and ancient trees of 18 species. The white pine trees at Chang'an Temple, the horse chestnut trees at Lingguang Temple, the ginkgo trees at Dabei Temple, and the Pistacia chinensis trees at Zhengguo Temple are all over 600 years old and remain lush and beautiful. Nearly 140,000 red-leaf trees, including cotinus coggygria, tung oil maple, and truncatum, transform the forest into a vibrant crimson after the autumn frosts.
The four seasons are suitable, with warm and windy winters and cool and pleasant summers.
Eight ancient temples ( Lingguang Temple, Chang'an Temple, Sanshan Temple, Dabei Temple, Longquan Temple, Xiangjie Temple, Baozhu Cave, Zhengguo Temple )
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
10 yuan/person
March 16th - August 31st 6 : 00-18 : 30
September 1st - November 15th 6 : 00-18 : 00
November 16th - March 15th of the following year , 6 :00-17: 30
Badachu Park is a historical and cultural park located in the western mountains of Beijing. It is home to several ancient Buddhist temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, and has long been a place for spiritual practice and meditation. The park's name, which translates to "Eight Great Temples," refers to the prominent temples located here.
Badachu Park is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, about 20 kilometers from the city center. You can reach it by taking the subway to the Wuluo Station (Line 1), then transferring to a bus or taxi for a short ride up to the park.
The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon, especially in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the park is less crowded.
The entrance fee is around 10 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the park, and it is generally not necessary to book in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, as the park is not usually crowded. However, during holidays or weekends, it may be a good idea to check for online booking options.
It will take around 2-3 hours to fully explore the park, especially if you visit the temples and enjoy the nature trails.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and you can also find some audio guides in English at the entrance, providing detailed information about the temples and the park’s history.
The best viewpoints are at the observation decks near Biyun Temple and at the top of the park, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Beijing.
Start your visit at the entrance, then head to Fahai Temple, followed by a walk through the nature trails to Biyun Temple. End your visit by hiking to the top observation point for breathtaking views.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Badachu Park. However, special Buddhist ceremonies and events may be held during certain times of the year.
Badachu Park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, particularly in the morning hours.
The park has basic facilities including toilets, water fountains, and rest areas. There are also a few small shops selling snacks and souvenirs near the entrance.
While Badachu Park is generally accessible, some areas, especially the higher points and nature trails, may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. The lower areas near the entrance are more suitable for families with children or visitors with limited mobility.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted at most locations in the park. Cash is also accepted but less commonly used.
There are a few small eateries and local restaurants around the entrance of the park that serve traditional Chinese dishes, including Beijing-style snacks and vegetarian food.
Some vegetarian and vegan options are available at the local eateries near the entrance. Halal food may be harder to find in the area.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance selling traditional Chinese crafts, including calligraphy, silk items, and small statues of Buddha.