A Blessed Place Under the Bodhisattva's Protection: Baipu Temple

🌿 Baipu Temple: A Millennium of Buddhist Chants in Beijing's Deep Mountains

Hidden in the mountains of Mentougou, Beijing, lies an ancient Liao Dynasty temple—Baipu Temple. Its history dates back to the Qiantong period of the Liao Dynasty (1101-1110), nearly a thousand years ago. Far from the city's hustle and bustle, surrounded by green peaks and towering ancient trees, the sounds of morning bells and evening drums seem to echo through time.

🏯 Day and Night at the Mountain Temple
Winding up the mountain road, you can see Baipu Temple’s Sunlight Pavilion shining brightly in the sun from afar. This pavilion, located halfway up the mountain, overlooks the entire temple and is the best spot to take in the full view. In the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight pierce through the forest, the temple’s red walls and golden roofs, along with the swirling incense smoke, create a transcendent Zen atmosphere; at nightfall, the whole temple illuminated by starlight appears even more solemn and mysterious.

🔔 A Place of Prayer Under the Bodhisattva’s Protection
Stepping through the mountain gate, you can feel the genuine presence of the "Bodhisattva’s protection" everywhere. Legend has it that the "White Waterfall" inside the temple once manifested a divine presence; people saw a Bodhisattva in white standing above the waterfall, hence the name "Baipu Temple." Numerous banners of gratitude hang inside, left by pilgrims who came to pray. It is said that sincere worship will surely bring blessings.

🎋 Must-See Attractions
1️⃣ Sunlight Pavilion
The best viewing platform! The entire temple is in full view, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset.
2️⃣ Mahavira Hall
In front of the hall is a thousand-year-old well whose water never dries up, locally known as "Bodhisattva’s Blessed Water."
3️⃣ Guanyin Cave
A natural karst cave behind the temple, featuring a naturally formed outline of the Guanyin statue.
4️⃣ Ancient Ginkgo Trees
The temple houses two 800-year-old ginkgo trees. In autumn, their golden leaves contrast beautifully with the red walls, creating a breathtaking scene.

🌧️ Even More Zen on Rainy Days
Many visitors choose to come to Baipu Temple on rainy days. In the mist and rain, the entire temple looks like an ink painting, with the sound of wind chimes mingling with raindrops, evoking the poetic feeling of "one flower, one world; one tree, one fleeting life." Most temple buildings have suspended gable roofs, and during heavy rain, you can witness the spectacular "white waterfall" effect of water dripping from the eaves.

✨ Practical Information:
📍 Address: Yubai Village, Yanchi Town, Mentougou District, Beijing
⏰ Opening Hours:
Summer (May–October) 08:00–18:00
Winter (November–April) 08:30–17:30
🚗 Transportation: Self-driving is recommended; navigate to "Baipu Temple."

In this secluded ancient temple, time seems to stand still. When urban life wears you down, come to Baipu Temple to listen to the morning bells and evening drums, make a sincere wish, and let the tranquility of this thousand-year-old temple cleanse your soul.