Ancient Tanzhe Temple unscathed after heavy rainfall in Beijing

Tanzhe Temple, the temple said to be even older than the city of Beijing, remained unharmed after the heavy rainfall.

According to the official WeChat account of Tanzhe Temple Scenic Area, the scenic spot was temporarily closed from noon on July 29 to ensure the safety of visitors and their property. The reopening time is yet to be announced.

Located at the foot of Tanzhe Mountain in the southeastern part of Mentougou District in western Beijing, the Tanzhe Temple is situated over 30 kilometers away from the city center.

The temple was first built during the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316). During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Kangxi Emperor bestowed it with the name "Xiuyun Temple," but it has always been more commonly referred to as the "Tanzhe Temple" due to the presence of the Longtan (Dragon Pond) and evergreen trees on the mountain.

Tanzhe Temple is surrounded by tall mountain peaks forming a horseshoe-shaped barrier facing north. The towering peaks shield the area from cold air coming from the north, creating a warm and humid climate. The temple's majestic halls are ingeniously arranged in harmony with the terrain, creating a picturesque and beautiful environment.

Preserving the architectural style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties, Tanzhe Temple stands as the largest complex of ancient temple buildings in the suburbs of Beijing. The entire complex embodies the aesthetic principles of traditional Chinese architecture, featuring a central axis with symmetrical arrangements on both sides, creating a sense of order, clarity and distinct hierarchy.

On June 25, 2001, with the approval of China's State Council, the Tanzhe Temple was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit. In early 2004, it was rated as an AAAA-level tourist attraction by the China National Tourism Administration.