Temple of Azure Clouds

The Temple of Azure Clouds is a Buddhist sanctuary spread across six levels on a hillside in the Western Hills of Beijing. The layout follows the natural terrain, with buildings and courtyards arranged vertically to create a layered religious complex.

The sanctuary was founded in 1331 during the Yuan Dynasty and quickly became an important Buddhist site. It underwent major reconstruction and expansion in the 1700s under Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.

The temple is known for its Hall of Arhats, which houses hundreds of statues depicting Buddhist figures in various poses and expressions. This collection reflects the deep religious devotion that visitors can observe throughout the sanctuary.

The site is located in the Western Hills outside the city center and requires entry through an adjacent park area. Wear sturdy shoes since you will climb stairs and pathways between the different levels.

The sanctuary houses a memorial hall containing a glass coffin donated by the Soviet government as a historical gift. This unusual object connects Chinese history with early twentieth century international relations.

Location: Haidian District

Inception: 1331

GPS coordinates: 39.99583,116.18528

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00