A Western Hills scenic area named for its eight ancient temples — millennium-old temples blend seamlessly with forested mountains, ideal for hiking, blessing, and wellness.
Badachu Park sits on the southern foothills of the Western Hills in Shijingshan District, Beijing. Named for eight well-preserved ancient Buddhist temples, it is a national AAAA scenic area covering 332 hectares. The highest peak reaches 464m with over 97% forest coverage — a rare natural green oasis in western Beijing.
The eight temples are: No.1 Chang'an Temple, No.2 Lingguang Temple, No.3 Sanshan Nunnery, No.4 Dabei Temple, No.5 Longquan Nunnery, No.6 Xiangjie Temple, No.7 Baozhu Cave, and No.8 Zhengguo Temple. Built during the Sui-Tang era and flourishing in Ming-Qing, they span over 1,200 years. Lingguang Temple enshrines a Buddha tooth relic — a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
Badachu is famous for its "Three Mountains, Eight Temples, and Twelve Scenes" — Cuiwei, Pingpo, and Lushi mountains embrace eight ancient temples, with twelve natural scenes including "Summit Vista," "Spring Apricot Groves," and "Cloud-Breaking Peaks." Whether for hiking, Buddhist blessing, or scenic relaxation, Badachu offers a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle.
Badachu's most renowned temple, built in the Tang Dali period (c. 766 AD). The 51m Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda enshrines one of only two surviving tooth relics of Shakyamuni Buddha worldwide. During annual veneration, devotees gather globally. The goldfish pond and millennium ginkgo are also iconic.
Founded during the Song-Liao period, famous for enshrining the Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Guanyin. The Hall of Eighteen Arhats houses a rare collection of arhat sculptures, each with vividly distinct expressions. Dabei Temple has flourishing incense — on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month and Buddhist holidays, devotees stream in for blessings. Two ancient ginkgo trees over 800 years old blaze golden in autumn — a must-visit for photographers.
Badachu's largest temple, built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt during Emperor Qianlong's reign. Five successive courtyards rise along the mountainside. The Mahavira Hall enshrines the Three Buddhas; the Scripture Library houses vast Buddhist texts. The most imperially grand temple here.
One of Badachu's oldest temples, founded in the late Sui / early Tang Dynasty over 1,400 years ago. The highlight is the "Secret Demon Cliff" — a natural rock face inscribed with calligraphy and Buddhist scriptures from successive dynasties. A natural cave called "Heavenly Terrace" beside the temple was used by ancient practitioners for meditation, imbued with an air of mystery.
Nestled between Cuiwei, Pingpo, and Lushi mountains — hence the name Sanshan (Three Mountains) Nunnery. Though modest in scale, it is Badachu's most Zen-like retreat. The "Water-Cloud Stone" inside features natural patterns resembling a landscape painting. A clear spring flows beside the nunnery, complemented by bamboo and pines, creating the poetic scene of "a winding path leading to a serene retreat, where meditation halls are deep amid flowers and trees."
At Badachu's highest point (464m), named for pearl-like stone patterns. The Gazing Pavilion offers the best views — on clear days, overlook all of Beijing including the CBD skyline, Kunming Lake, and Yongding River. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular.
Main gate → No.1 Chang'an Temple → No.2 Lingguang Temple (Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda, key stop) → No.3 Sanshan Nunnery → No.4 Dabei Temple → No.5 Longquan Nunnery → No.6 Xiangjie Temple → No.7 Baozhu Cave (summit views) → No.8 Zhengguo Temple. A full walking tour linking all eight temples through beautiful mountain scenery — ideal for fit visitors interested in Buddhist culture.
Main gate → Lingguang Temple (Buddha Tooth Pagoda blessing) → Dabei Temple (Guanyin blessing) → cable car up → Xiangjie Temple → Baozhu Cave observation deck → cable car down. The cable car saves about 1 hour of walking — ideal for seniors and families with children. Core attractions Lingguang and Dabei temples are on flat ground for easy access.
Main gate → hiking trail straight up → Zhengguo Temple (Secret Demon Cliff) → Baozhu Cave (highest point) → ridgeline trail loop → Xiangjie Temple → Dabei Temple → Lingguang Temple → return. Primarily a hiking workout linking high-elevation attractions — mostly steps and mountain paths with moderate gradients, a classic training route for Beijing hiking enthusiasts.
Buddha Tooth Relic Veneration: The pagoda opens for veneration at specific times yearly (usually around Buddha's Birthday). Check temple announcements. A rare chance to view the relic amid solemn gatherings. Even outside veneration periods, the temple is worth savoring.
Double Ninth Festival: Around the Double Ninth Festival (9th day of the 9th lunar month), Badachu hosts a grand climbing festival — one of Beijing's most popular autumn folk events. Tens of thousands climb the mountain paths, gazing into the distance, enjoying chrysanthemums and tea, experiencing the ancient tradition of "ascending high and thinking of distant loved ones."
New Year Blessing Fair: During Spring Festival, Badachu hosts a traditional blessing temple fair — bell ringing, first incense burning, and Buddhist prayers are Beijing's most ceremonial New Year experiences. The fair also features folk performances, traditional crafts, and various snacks, full of festive spirit.
Spring Blossoms: From late March to early April, Badachu's mountains burst with apricot, peach, and magnolia blossoms — especially along the mountain paths between temples 2 and 4, where flowering branches frame ancient temple red walls. "Spring Mountain Apricot Groves" is one of Badachu's Twelve Scenes and a classic spring outing destination for Beijing residents.
Dining: A vegetarian restaurant near Lingguang Temple serves refined vegetarian dishes and tea in a serene setting. Tea houses and snack shops are also available near Dabei Temple. Outside the park, multiple farmhouse and Western restaurants line Badachu Road — try the local wild vegetable dishes. Shougang Park (~10 min drive) offers more trendy dining options.
Accommodation: Xishan Meilu and Cuiwei Resort nearby offer comfortable stays. Shijingshan hotels (15 min drive) provide more amenities. Stay overnight for deeper Western Hills exploration.
Nearby Attractions: Fahai Temple (5km) for Ming Dynasty murals. Shougang Park (10 min) for 2022 Winter Olympics venues. Moshikou Historical District for old-street culture.
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