Guangji Temple

Guangji Temple is an active Buddhist temple at 25 Funei Avenue in Beijing’s Xicheng District. Its courtyards and halls are used for worship, so you may hear chanting, see monks walking the grounds and find worshippers burning incense. The quiet setting gives you a chance to observe religious life alongside the historic buildings. Entry is free, and the temple is close to Xisi metro station. There are no English signs or maps in the grounds, so ask a monk or volunteer if you would like help understanding what you see.

A working Buddhist temple

Guangji Temple is a place of worship, with religious activity taking place in its courtyards and halls. Monks walk the grounds, worshippers burn incense, and chanting or sutra readings may be heard. Visitors can observe these activities, but the temple is not arranged as a tourist attraction with English signs or a map explaining the buildings.

The temple is also the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of China and a centre for national Buddhist activities. Its courtyards and halls have a long history, though accounts differ on the details of its early construction and rebuilding.

Finding your way around

The temple is at 25 Funei Avenue in Xicheng District, near Xisi metro station. With no English signs or site map mentioned for the grounds, a monk or volunteer may be able to answer questions about Buddhist practices or point out areas to visit.

Treat the grounds as a place of worship: keep a respectful manner, and remove your shoes before entering areas where required. Worshippers use benches in front of some halls when bowing. Nearby stops include the Temple of Ancient Monarchs and the Geological Museum, which is across the street.