Hongluo Temple

Historical Overview

• Founding: Built by monk Fotuoceng during the Jin Dynasty, later expanded under Tang Emperor Gaozong (649 CE).
• Cultural Legacy: Served as a royal prayer site during the Liao and Jin dynasties; hosted Japanese Zen masters in the 13th century.
• Modern Era: Designated a National Cultural Relic in 1996; underwent major renovations in 2004.

Structural Layout
The temple is divided into three zones:

1. Main Hall Complex: Features the Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian), with 18 arhat statues and a 6m-tall golden Buddha.
2. Mountain Retreat Area: Includes the Guanyin Pavilion and Red-Walled Monasteries, offering panoramic mountain views.
3. Ancient Tree Grove: Home to the "King of Cypresses" (1,600 years old) and a 500-year-old ginkgo tree.

Major Attractions

1. Mahavira Hall: The temple’s largest hall, housing three 8m-tall golden Buddhas and intricate ceiling murals.
2. Red-Walled Monasteries: A series of Ming Dynasty-era meditation chambers with crimson walls and lotus-shaped windows.
3. Hongluo Pool: A heart-shaped pond fed by mountain springs, said to turn red during autumn.
4. Ancient Cypress Grove: Walking paths amidst 1,000+-year-old trees, ideal for meditation and photography.
5. Guanyin Pavilion: A three-story wooden tower with 108 staircases, offering views of the temple and mountains.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Pilgrimage (2–3 hours):
   Entrance → Mahavira Hall → Ancient Cypress Grove → Hongluo Pool → Red-Walled Monasteries.
   Highlight: Morning prayers and incense offerings.
2. Cultural Deep Dive (4–5 hours):
   Entrance → Guanyin Pavilion → Mahavira Hall → Ancient Tree Grove → tea Ceremony Experience (¥50/person).
   Add-on: Copy Buddhist sutras at the Sutra Copying Hall.
3. Nature & Spirituality Tour (Full Day):
   Morning: Hike Hongluo Mountain (2.5 hours).
   Afternoon: Temple exploration + vegetarian lunch (¥30).
   Evening: Sunset meditation at the Red-Walled Monasteries.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat account "Hongluo Temple" (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; limited availability during Festivals.
• Prices:
  • Peak Season (April–October): ¥54 (adults), ¥27 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (November–March): ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

• By Bus: From Dongzhimen Hub Station, take Bus 866/916 to Huairou, then transfer to Bus H58 to Hongluosi. Special tourist buses depart at 9:00 AM (¥30 one-way).
• By Car: 1-hour drive from Beijing via G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway → S11 Qinghai-Xinjiang Expressway.
• Guided Tours: Half-day tours from Beijing (¥150–200/person, includes transport).

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: April–June (blossoms) and October–November (autumn foliage/ginkgo season).
• Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; arrive early (8:00 AM opening).
• Essentials:
  • Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees for temple visits).
  • Bring bottled water (limited vendors on-site).
  • Respect rituals: No photography inside halls; walk clockwise around stupas.