Beijing Religion Highlight One Day Tour

9:00 pick up from your hotel. First visit Yonghe Lama Temple, a renowned lama temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism. Built initially in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, this building was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng when he was just a prince. However, in 1744 the Qing Dynasty formally changed the status of the dwelling to that of a lamasery.

Then proceed to Baiyun Taoist Temple, the largest Taoist center in Beijing. There are still Taoist monks in the temple and they will talk to you. The temple is also the headquarters of the China Taoism Association. Its origins date back to the Tang Dynasty, when it was called Temple of the Supreme Ultimate. It became a major Taoist temple after a 13th century master taught, died and was buried here. His disciples renamed the temple White Cloud Temple and the name has stuck.

After lunch, go to Niujie Mosque, a 1,000-year-old mosque in the heart of the Muslim-dominated Niujie area of Beijing. The Niujie Mosque is the oldest in Beijing, having been founded about 1.000year ago. In the course of several reconstructions. Chinese architectural features have supplanted the original Islamic influences.

After touring the mosque,go to visit the nearby Fayuan Temple (Temple of the Origin of the Dharma). Fayuan Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty, situated at the south of Jiaozi Alley outside the Beijing Xuanwumen. It is not only the oldest Buddhist temple, but also the location for the China Buddhism Institution and China Buddhism Library and Relic Centre, as well as an important venue for nurturing young monks and Buddhism research.

Lastly, you are arranged to visit the Eastern Cathedral , one of the oldest Catholic Churches in Beijing. Return to your hotel in Beijing. The present building was rebuilt in 1904 on the ruins of the burned church. The East Church was originally called Saint Joseph's Church, and was built in the 12th year (1655) of Emperor Shunzhi during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).