From far-flung places in our recent Take the Subway series, we move closer to the city center for a look at a few spots that we think, while they may not be on any Beijing top sights lists, are definitely worth going out of your way to visit.
From trains and such, we move to a more folklore bent with a look at…
Dongyue Temple & the Beijing Folklore Museum
东岳庙和北京民俗博物馆
dōngyuè miào hé běijīng mínsú bówùguǎn
Constructed in the 1300s during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Dongyue Temple is one of the largest Taoist temples in northern China. It is dedicated to the worship of the God and Goddess of Mount Tai, and is also home to the modern-day Beijing Folklore Museum.
One of the many punishments shown in the depictions of hell throughout the temple
The location of the temple in the heart of Dongdaqiao makes it an ideal spot to visit without having to go further out of the city for travel, plus, all around the temple are over 3,000 deities depicted in their duties serving over the Taoist version of hell, which, while on the morbid side, is an interesting way to understand Taoist practices and Chinese culture on a deeper level.
You'll also find some temple cats if you look hard enough
Entry is RMB 10 for adults, and while the temple is open daily (barring special holidays and religious functions), the Folklore Museum is only open from Tuesday through Sunday.
Dongyue Temple 东岳庙
141 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳门外大街141号
Hours: Daily, 8.30am-4.30pm (museum closed on Mondays)
Contact: 010 6551 0151; 010 6551 4148
Images: Vincent R. Vinci
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