Hongluo Temple

红螺寺

A thousand-year-old temple first built in the Eastern Jin dynasty. Locals say 'Putuo in the south, Hongluo in the north.' Highlights include the millennium-old ginkgo trees, the wisteria-entwined pine, and forests of bamboo.

Hongluo Temple lies at the southern foot of Hongluo Mountain, about 5 km north of Huairou town. It was founded in 348 CE, in the fourth year of the Yonghe era of the Eastern Jin dynasty, and was originally called Daming Temple. It is a major Pure Land Buddhist site in northern China, and folk saying goes, 'Putuo in the south, Hongluo in the north.' Inside the temple grounds are a pair of male and female ginkgo trees over a thousand years old, an ancient pine wrapped in wisteria known as 'Wisteria Entwined with Pine,' and extensive bamboo groves. Together these are called the 'Three Wonders of Hongluo.' There is a hiking trail up the back mountain, along with the Guanyin Temple. Ginkgo trees and autumn foliage are at their most beautiful in the fall. This is a national 4A-level scenic area. Admission is around 50 yuan, and opening hours change with the seasons, so check the scenic area's notices. Hiking the mountain and visiting the temple takes about half a day. Cable cars and toboggan slides are available on the back mountain.

Hongluo Temple

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby