Beijing is a resplendent cultural treasure trove set within the scintillating Chinese landscape, with a spate of religious and cultural landmarks worth discovering. The best way to experience it all is to take advantage of the various Beijing hotel deals that are available, especially at fine properties such as the Grand Millennium Beijing. With luxury interiors and the ideal location that is close to shopping, entertainment and dining, this quality Beijing hotel promises to pamper its guests with an unforgettable stay. When you are in the city, make sure you venture into the Western Hills, which is home to a set of spiritual sites guaranteed to uplift the mind, body and spirit.
The temples underwent restoration in the 1980s and it remains a popular destination for tourists as well as pilgrims. Each site is filled with artefacts of immense historical and cultural significance. The Temple of Eternal Peace contains two courtyards dedicated to two worship halls, as well as two huge bronze bells and two white pine trees dating to the Yuan Dynasty. The Temple of Divine Light is the most prominent, and it is famed for its Daibei courtyard, a goldfish pond dotted with water lilies and a pagoda. The Three-Hill Convent is situated within the embrace of three hills and boasts beautiful construction as well as a splendid view of the countryside. Its location in a forest makes it the perfect place to indulge in a cool and refreshing stroll. The temple of Great Mercy boasts three impressive courtyards and faces the east, which means that it is graced by the most pristine sunrises in the country. The Temple of the Dragon King is famed for the water fountain that burbles forth from the land through a stone spigot carved into the shape of a dragon’s head. The water is sweet and clear and it never freezes in the winter. The Temple of the Fragrant World is the largest of the eight temples and boasts five magnificent courtyards, as well as an ancient pine tree that closely resembles the shape of a recumbent dragon. The Temple of Buddhahood is one of the oldest temples of the eight, built more than 1,200 years ago. The western gate of the site leads to the final of the Great Eight, the Mysterious Devil’s Cliff. The cliff bears resemblance to a roaring lion when see from afar and according to legend, the cliffs were believed to have been the home of the famous monk Lu Shi, who had acquired a set of dragon disciples, the primary subjects of many folk tales that celebrate their good deeds. A fascinating testament to the country’s cultural richness, the Eight Great Temples offer visitors a glimpse into ancient Chinese wonder.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
