Baiyun Guan (White Cloud Temple), Beijing
Three gateways symbolizing three Taoist worlds. Photo
Gene Zhang.
Entrance to the temple complex. Photo
Gene Zhang.
A monk practices Taoist circle walking. Photo
Moon Lee.
Baiyun Gang is primarily a place of worship. Photo
Sergio Nasi.
Prayer. Photo © Nick Leonard.
Statue of a Taoist god. Photo
Gene Zhang.Baiyun Guan (White Cloud Temple) is a Taoist temple in Beijing. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and not very touristy, although it is signposted in English.
History
Baiyun Guan is said to have been built in 739 AD and was once the most influential Taoist temple in China. After the Cultural Revolution it was used for a long time as a military barracks, but today it houses the China Taoism Association and 30 resident monks. The blue-frocked monks wear their hair in the rarely seen traditional manner: long and tied in a bun at the top of the head.
What to See
The White Cloud Temple is an active place of Taoist ritual and pilgrimage and has a thriving feel to it. It is generally laid out like a Buddhist temple but with some unique features, such as the three gateways at the entrance that symbolize the Taoist three worlds: Desire, Substance and Emptiness.
There are three monkeys depicted in relief sculptures around the temple and it is believed to be lucky to find all three. The first one is on the gate and has been rubbed black. The other two are in the first courtyard.
The complex consists of various halls with altars, incense and statues of Taoist deities. Although Taoist texts decry the pursuit of wealth and honors as empty, the gods of wealth tend to attract the most devotees.
One notable structure in the temple is the Laolu Tang, a large cushion-filled hall in the third courtyard originally built in 1228, now used for teaching and ceremonies.
The temple bookshop has only one book in England (the Book of Changes, naturally) but plenty of tapes and lucky charms.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Baiyun Guan; Baiyunguan Si; White Cloud Temple |
| Type of site: | Temple |
| Faith: | Taoism |
| Status: | Active |
| Dates: | 739 AD |
| Location: | On Baiyun Guan Lu, east of the intersection with Baiyun Lu, Haidian Qu (1st right north of Baiyun Qiao, directly across from Baiyun Guan bus stop), western Beijing, China |
| Phone: | 010/6346-3531 |
| Hours: | Daily 8-5:30 |
| Cost: | CNY 10 |
| Bus: | #212 from Qianmen; #40 from Nansanhuan Lu; #727 from Muxidi metro (112, exit D2) to Baiyun Guan |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Baiyun Guan. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Beijing Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- The Rough Guide to China 4 (October 2005), 113.
- Frommer's Beijing, 4th ed. (March 2006).
