Hongluo Temple Ticket
Cradled at the southern foot of Hongluo Mountain in Huairou District, roughly 55 kilometres north of central Beijing, Hongluo Temple is one of northern China's most venerated Buddhist retreats. First established during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and often celebrated alongside Zhoushan's Putuosi under the saying "Putuo in the south, Hongluo in the north," the temple complex blends ancient religious architecture with lush natural surroundings — including towering ancient pines, the celebrated Three Wonders of imperial bamboo groves, paired ginkgo trees, and wisteria-entwined pines — making it equally rewarding for devoted pilgrims and leisure travelers.
Single-Day Entry Pass (Adult)
Operating Hours and Tour Recommendations
Operating Hours: 08:30–17:30
Estimated Time Required: 3–4 hours
Optimal Visiting Times: Spring (April–May) and autumn (late September–November)
Smart Planning Tips:
1. It's recommended to book tickets in advance online – especially during the Fall foliage season and on Golden Week when the head count at the ticket gate could be high.
2. Respect the active worship place: modesty of dress and disruptive behaviour/photography near worship members is discouraged.
3. Many paths involve stone stairways and uneven slopes — sturdy, flat-soled footwear is strongly recommended.
What Guests Are Saying
Visitors give Hongluo Temple almost flawless scores, especially for its calm and leisurely atmosphere, which is hard to come by in such a large hub as a city. The ancient woodland, the tall pines and mountain light are often said to be the best part of the journey, and is frequently cited as the highlight (apart from the temple halls themselves!) Couples and families visit the Guanyin Shrine at the top to pray for good health and happy relationships. Some reviewers do not recommend taking a fall weekend trip here unless the traveller arrives earlier than 09:00, as the leaves season brings crowds of many people.
Related Articles & Suggested Excursions
End your visit of the Hongluo Temple with spending a day at Yanqi Lake or the countryside around the temple, enjoying both ancient culture and nature. Curated routes are included in our Beijing essential activities guide, multi-day itinerary planner and dedicated Beijing itinerary.
FAQ
1. Do we have to book in advance?
Ticketing is available on site, but at certain times or seasons in the fall or public holidays, queues can be long. It's safer to buy online ahead of time and potentially faster to get into.
2. Are there specific areas dedicated to prayer and worship?
Yes. Incense and offerings are available throughout the grounds. Visitors are welcome to participate in all the main temple halls, Five Hundred Arhats Forest and the hilltop Guanyin Shrine; all of which are places of worship.
3. Will the site be accessible to older visitors or people with disabilities?
Most sections of the lower temple precincts are accessible, but the trail to the Guanyin Shrine at the top is steep and stony. The upper path is suggested for young people only, as it may seem uncomfortable for older visitors.
4. What is the best way to get to the Hongluo Temple from Beijing?
Bus Route 867 (Hongluo Temple Express) leaves from Dongzhimen Long-Distance Bus Station every 30 minutes at 07:
00. The trip will last approximately 90 minutes.
5. Is autumn the only worthwhile season to visit?
Not at all. Flowers are seen in spring, new growth in summer, and grand displays of the ancient pine, bamboo and plum trees that are so beloved in classical Chinese aesthetics in winter.
