Tanzhe Temple, along with Jietai Temple, is one of the most renowned and venerated temples in suburban Beijing. Spanning an inner area of 25,000 square meters and an outer area of 112,000 square meters, the temple complex is grand in scale and steeped in history. Nestled within Beijing’s Western Hills, the temple’s expansive grounds climb the hillside, shaded by towering cypresses and pines.
Dating back to the Jin dynasty (AD 265–420), Tanzhe Temple reached its zenith during the Qing dynasty, becoming a royal pilgrimage site for emperors Kangxi and Qianlong. The temple’s layout follows three main axes, with the central axis featuring the Mahavira Hall as its centerpiece. Behind this hall stands the ’Emperor Tree,’ a majestic gingko believed to be over 1000 years old.
Among the ancient trees in Tanzhe Temple, the most famous is the 1,400-year-old ginkgo known as the "Emperor Tree," planted during the Tang Dynasty. Standing over 40 meters tall with a diameter exceeding 4 meters, it takes six or seven people to encircle its trunk. Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty, the tree grew a new branch each time a new emperor ascended the throne, with the branch eventually merging with the old trunk. Emperor Qianlong named it the "Emperor Tree" during his visit.
In the early 1960s, Aisin Giorro Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, visited Tanzhe Temple as a common citizen. Pointing to an unmerged branch, he humorously remarked, "I am this small tree. It grows up twisted because I am worthless."
The Emperor Tree is renowned and deeply revered. Some visitors often hug it, believing its ancient presence and sacred location bring spiritual benefits and longevity.
At the rear of the complex, the Guanyin Pavilion offers breathtaking views of the temple and the surrounding mountains. Within this pavilion, a stone slab bears the footprints of Princess Miaoyan, Kublai Khan’s daughter, who, according to legend, was so devoted to Buddha that her incessant praying wore deep ruts into the stone.
The western axis of the temple includes the octagonal Lengyan Altar, while the eastern axis houses the abbot’s quarters, historically used by visiting emperors. Another intriguing feature is the Floating Cups Pavilion, a Qing-era water feature that also served as an ingenious drinking game.
Tanzhe Temple is particularly enchanting in mid-April when the magnolias are in full bloom, drawing visitors from near and far to witness the stunning floral display.
Tanzhe Temple, with its rich history, cultural significance, and natural beauty, provides a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle and a glimpse into China’s profound spiritual legacy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of tranquility, Tanzhe Temple is a must-visit destination in the outskirts of Beijing.























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