Jietai Temple: A Thousand Years of Zen and Blessings

📍Location: Ma'anshan, Mentougou District, Beijing (Navigate to "Jietai Temple Parking Lot" for self-driving, charging stations available; Take Subway Line S1 to Shichang Station → transfer to Bus 948/M44 for direct access) 🎫Tickets: CNY 45 (full price) | CNY 22.5 (half price) 🕰️Opening Hours: • Spring/Summer: 8:30 am–5:00 pm • Autumn/Winter: 8:30 am–4:30 pm ✨Highlights: 1. The First Ordination Altar in China: The most important of the three ordination altars in China, where Bodhisattva precepts are conferred. Witness the solemn ordination ceremony. 2. Ancient Pine Trees: Marvel at the unique shapes of the ten famous pine trees, including the "Reclining Dragon Pine" and the "Nine Dragon Pine." Touch these ancient trees for blessings. 3. Lilac Festival (April–May): Admire the 200-year-old lilac trees bestowed by Emperor Qianlong and the gorgeous peonies in the Peony Garden. 4. Vegetarian Cuisine: Experience the traditional monastic dining ritual in the Great Dining Hall. Recommended dishes: "Three-Silk Noodles" and "Vegetarian Assorted Dishes." 5. Filming Locations: Jietai Temple has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV series, including the 1986 version of *Journey to the West*, *Empresses in the Palace*, *Dream of the Red Chamber*, *Tai Chi Master*, and *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*. 🎭Calendar of Blessing Activities: • 1st and 15th of each lunar month: Buddhist ceremonies are held in the Mahavira Hall. • Buddha's Birthday (8th day of the 4th lunar month): Bathing the Buddha ceremony + Dharma talk by a Buddhist master. • New Year's Eve Bell Ringing (December 31): Welcome the new year with 108 rings of the ancient bell and receive a blessed Seven Treasures gift bag. 🚶Recommended Routes: Standard Route (2 hours): Mountain Gate → Hall of Heavenly Kings → Mahavira Hall → Ordination Altar → Thousand Buddha Pavilion → Peony Garden → Bell Pavilion → Avenue of Famous Pines Hiking Route (4 km): Parking Lot → Pagoda Forest → Mountaintop Viewing Platform → Golden Toad Stone → Return (Enjoy peach blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn) 📸Photography Tips: • Capture the eaves of the Ordination Altar and the ancient ginkgo tree in the same frame. • Photograph the weeping crabapple blossoms against the red walls of the Peony Garden. • Overlook the lush mountains from the Bell Pavilion. 🍜Nearby Food: • Tanzhe Temple Vegetarian Cuisine (15-minute drive) • Jiuyuan Pickled Vegetables (Intangible cultural heritage cuisine of the Western Beijing Ancient Road) 🌟Tips: • Free incense is available at the temple; burning tall incense is prohibited. • Vegetarian meals need to be booked in advance. • Some sections of the path are steep; wear non-slip shoes. • There is a large temperature difference between spring and autumn; bring a light jacket. With reverence in your heart, your journey will be fruitful. May the sound of Buddhist chants and the rustling pines of Jietai Temple cleanse your soul and fulfill all your wishes!🙏 (Note: Tickets for the New Year's Eve bell-ringing event must be purchased in advance. Details are subject to the official announcements of the scenic area.)