White Cloud Taoist Temple

The biggest Taoist temple in Beijing, it was built to mark Qiu Chuji, one of seven disciples of Wang Chongyang, the founder of a northern school, Quanzhen School, of Taoism. Qiu's remains are still buried below the seat of a hall marking him in the temple. The temple is home to the largest collection of Taoist literature and books. The China Taoist Association is also located here.

Baiyun Lu, Xicheng District. 6346-3531. Bus routes: 19, 414, at Baiyunguan station, or 114, 308, 937 at Baiyunguan station and walk south.

Dazhong Temple (or Juesheng Temple)

Named after a big bronze bell in the temple, it is now also known as the Chinese Ancient Bell Museum. There are presently 439 items/sets of ancient bells in the museum, the oldest of which is more than 500 years old. Other bells were made in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

North side of the North Third Ring Road. 6255-0819. Bus routes: 302, 367, 718, at Dazhongsi station.

Dongyue Temple

With more than 600 years of history, this Taoist temple is the biggest of its kind for the Zhengyi School of Taoism. It is known for its stone tablets engraved with scriptures. There are more than 3,000 statues of gods. The architectural art and scale is among the best in China.

North of Chaoyangmenwai Dajie. 6551-0151. Bus routes: 110, 112, 109, at Shenlu Jie station; or take subway, get to Chaoyangmen station and walk east.

Confucius Temple

Where emperors paid homage to Confucius and where the best Chinese scholars studied.

Guozijian Jie. 8401-1977. Bus routes: 13, 406, 807, at Guozijian station, or take the subway, get off at Yonghegong station and walk south.

Jietai Temple

This temple is named after jietai, the altar where monks are initiated into monkhood. It is known for having the most complete and well-preserved group of stone Buddha carvings.

Shimenying, Mentougou District, west Beijing. 6980-2645. ,

Hongluosi Temple

Named after the legend of the red snail fairy. This temple was once home to many distinguished monks. The mountain on which it sits also has some fantastic views.

Huairou County. 6068-1639.

Yunju Temple

This temple is famous for its collection of caves with stone scriptures, Buddhist relics, and beautiful mountain views.

At the foot of Baidaishan, Fangshan District, southwest of Beijing. 6138-1612. Bus routes: take bus 917 at Tianqiao to get to Yunjusi or Shidu.

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