Many of the temples were damaged in the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) or taken over by residents. But with the government's restoration efforts, some remain intact and are becoming increasingly popular with worshipers and tourists. Here we list a selection of the capital's best temples.

Yonghegong Lama Temple

A famous tourist destination, and also the biggest Tibetan Buddist temple of the Yellow School in Beijing. Built in the Qing Dynasty, it was the former residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he took the throne. The temple combines the architectural styles of Han, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan peoples. Rosewood Arhat sculptures, white sandlewood Buddha statues and Buddha niche carved with silkwood are three must-see things at the temple.

Andingmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. 6404-9027. Bus routes: 13, 62, 44, 406 at Yonghegong station; or take the subway to arrive at Yonghegong.

Miaoying Temple

This Buddhist temple, also called Temple of the White Pagoda was first built in the Yuan Dynasty, but was later burned down and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. The current temple was largely built in the Qing Dynasty. Only the white pagoda was left over from Yuan Dynasty, a structure that is more than 700 years old. The pagoda is an important symbol of Yuandadu, the first capital set up in the Yuan Dynasty in 1279 by Kubla Khan. It is also the biggest Tibetan Buddhist pagoda in China.

North of Fuchengmennei Dajie. 6616-0211. Bus routes: 13, 101, 102, 103, 823, 812, 814, at Baitasi station.

Guangji Temple

Built in the Jin Dynasty, this temple is more than 800 years old. The architecture inside is preserved from the Ming Dynasty, when it was rebuilt and given the present name. The bronze statues of Buddha are extremely precious. There are also stone tablets engraved with a poem by Qianlong, a Qing Dynasty emperor. The temple is where China Buddhist Association is located, and is the center of the country's Buddhist activities.

Northwest corner, Xisi Crossroad, Xicheng District. 6616-0907. Bus routes, 13, 101, 102, 105, 823, 812, 814, at Xisi station.

Fayuan Temple

Established 1,300 years ago, this temple is the oldest and biggest temple in Beijing. It is where the China Buddhist Institute and China Buddhist Literature and Cultural Relics Museum are located. The Buddhist scripture library at the ancient temple provides a display of stone sculptures from Eastern Han, Wu of Three Kingdoms, Northern Wei, Northen Dynasty, Sui and Tang dynasties. A wooden sculpture of Buddha that measures 10 meters is the biggest lying Buddha in Beijing. The temple is known for its thousands of cloves.

7 Fayuansi Qianjie, Xuanwu District. 6353-3966.

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