VERIFIED2026.09.11Temple of Heaven, Xiannongtan & Liulichang · 39.884°N 116.364°E
FreeClosure day
The oldest temple in the old city — founded 645 by the Tang emperor Taizong as the Minzhong Temple for soldiers killed in Korea, renamed Fayuan under Yongzheng. Seven halls stand on a 230 m axis behind the Caishikou execution ground, and since 1956 it has been the home of the Buddhist Academy of China, which is why the courtyards are full of student monks and short on tourists. Free, no booking, three sticks of incense handed to you at the gate (tourism-bureau article, 2024), open 8:30-16:00.
AdmissionFreeFree, 3 sticks of incense at the gate (tourism-bureau article, October 2024)Verified · source published 2024-10Source ↗
Hours8:30-16:00, entry ends 16:00 (tourism-bureau article, Oct 2024)Verified · source published 2024-10Source ↗
ClosedNone published — go by the notice at the gateVerified · source published 2024-10Source ↗
IDNone — free and no booking (tourism-bureau article, Oct 2024)VerifiedSource ↗
LandmarkSouth end of Jiaozi Hutong, near Caishikou, south-west of the old city
Address7 Fayuansi Front St, XichengVerifiedSource ↗
EntranceLine 4 / Line 7 Caishikou station, Exit D, then 600 m south down Jiaozi Hutong; the gate faces south onto Fayuansi Front St
Last verified 2026-09-11
How to book
Walk in, no booking (tourism-bureau article: 免费，无需预约); enquiries 010-63534171Verified · source published 2024-10Source ↗
Beat the crowds
Quiet nearly always — the exception is the lilac fortnight in late April, when photographers fill the front courtyards on weekend mornings. Student monks' classes run through the day; morning chanting is around 5:30-6:00 before the gates open to visitors.
Language
Bilingual plaques on the main halls; nothing else. Monks and gatekeepers Chinese-speaking.