Step into Tianning Temple City in Beijing's Xicheng District, where the 50-meter-tall Ming Dynasty pagoda will take your breath away! This 500-year-old Buddhist gem dazzles with its glazed terracotta reliefs of 1,078 divine figures. Time your visit for spring when the ancient catalpa trees bloom like cotton candy against the temple's crimson walls. Pro tip: Whisper your wish while circling the pagoda – locals believe its embedded Sanskrit sutras amplify good fortune!

This hotel boasts a prime location right next to the National Library, just 1 minute walk to the subway, with easy access to Beijing Zoo, Forbidden City and other attractions! Designed by an international team, it features arty and trendy aesthetics with retro yet smart rooms, signature scents and imported toiletries for ultimate comfort. Enjoy 24-hour front desk, fitness center, valet parking and more. Perfect for both business and leisure. What's most touching is their service philosophy: "We care not just how high you fly, but how tired you are"—truly heartwarming!
Everything you need to know about Tianning Temple
Stay at Jinglun Hotel near Tianning Temple Pagoda, offering a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Chinese design. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the pagoda, with select rooms providing views of the historic structure. Complimentary shuttle service connects guests to the nearest subway station, ensuring easy access to Beijing's attractions. Nearby, visitors can explore authentic hutongs, enjoy local Beijing snacks, and immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Take Subway Line 14 to Dongguantou or Dawanglu Station, then transfer to Bus 938 or a dedicated shuttle bus. Alternatively, use a ride-hailing app with GPS navigation to the Tianning Temple Pagoda entrance—about 30 minutes from downtown. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere and peaceful morning light surrounding the ancient pagoda.
Beyond visiting the 1,000-year-old Tianning Temple Pagoda, guests can join traditional Buddhist calligraphy workshops in a tranquil setting, embracing mindfulness. Guided hutong tours reveal authentic Beijing courtyard homes, while local street food like zhajiangmian and douzhi offer a taste of regional flavors. During festivals, the temple square hosts intangible cultural heritage performances, including Peking opera excerpts and folk paper-cutting exhibitions, showcasing Beijing’s rich artistic legacy.
Beijing Tianning Marriott Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Tianning Temple. The hotel blends modern luxury with traditional Chinese design, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering serene views of the temple's ancient rooftops. Complimentary shuttle service connects to nearby subway stations, ensuring easy access. Start your day with a Beijing-style breakfast at the on-site café, savoring local treats like douzhi (fermented soybean drink) and jiaoquan (fried dough twists), immersing yourself in authentic urban culture.
Yes, the nearest metro station is Tianning Temple Station on Line 7, just a 3-minute walk from the temple. This line connects major hubs including Beijing West Railway Station, Daxing Airport, and central business districts, making it ideal for inter-district travel. Multiple bus routes such as Express Route 10 and Night Bus 18 also serve the area, with contactless payment options available. Use Gaode Map or Baidu Maps for real-time transit tracking and navigation to enhance your journey efficiency.
Near Tianning Temple, you can join morning prayer ceremonies led by the abbot, experiencing the solemnity of Buddhist rituals. Nearby Liyuichang Cultural Street hosts numerous stalls selling calligraphy, antiques, and intangible cultural heritage items—try hands-on workshops in paper-cutting or brush calligraphy. Every Saturday features a Hutong Market, offering handmade sachets, Peking Opera face masks, and other local souvenirs. Architecture enthusiasts may also apply for guided tours inside the Tianning Temple Pagoda, exploring its Tang Dynasty origins and Qing Dynasty renovations, uncovering centuries-old construction wisdom.
Yes, Tianning Temple Park (formerly known as Beijing Children’s Hospital Affiliated Park) is perfect for families, featuring a children’s playground, fountain plaza, and scenic walking paths ideal for kids to run around. A small animal interaction zone allows children to meet gentle rabbits and sheep. Nearby Fangjia Hutong preserves traditional courtyard houses, where visitors can explore the Hutong Museum to learn about urban redevelopment history. In the evening, families can stroll along the South Second Ring River Promenade, enjoying illuminated landscapes and city nightscapes—ideal for quality time together.
The Tianning Temple Pagoda, designated a National Key Cultural Heritage Site, is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed on Mondays except public holidays. Admission costs RMB 10, with half-price tickets available for students upon presentation of valid ID. Photography and food are prohibited inside the tower for preservation purposes. It’s recommended to book in advance via the Beijing Municipal Cultural Relics Bureau official website to avoid queues. Climbing the pagoda offers panoramic views of surrounding hutongs and the modern cityscape—perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Head to Tianning Temple Food Street, home to century-old eateries like Zhang’s Hand-Pulled Noodles, famous for hand-rolled noodles and house-made sauce, served with crisp cucumber shreds and mung bean sprouts. Don’t miss the Old Beijing Sugar Oil Pancakes—crispy outside, soft inside, sweet but not cloying, offered in limited quantities daily. Also try South Second Ring Roast Duck Restaurant, serving authentic Peking duck smoked over fruitwood, with crispy skin and tender meat—watch the chef slice it tableside. All restaurants accept WeChat Pay and QR code ordering, with clean settings and friendly staff, making it a prime spot for authentic Beijing flavors.
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