Wofo Temple Beijing: A Peaceful Buddhist Sanctuary with the Famous Reclining Buddha

Hidden between Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan) and the Beijing Botanical Garden, Wofo Temple (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Unlike crowded tourist attractions, here you’ll find century-old trees, the sound of temple bells, and a massive reclining Buddha statue that has rested peacefully for over a thousand years. It is one of the most tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries in Beijing.

1. Why It’s the Most Peaceful Temple in Beijing

Wofo Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty (7th century AD) and has a history of more than 1,300 years. Originally named Doushuai Temple, it was rebuilt and expanded during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It belongs to the Zen (Chan) Buddhist tradition and was historically an important place for imperial prayers.

The temple is famous for its “Three Treasures”: its thousand-year-old history, the rare giant reclining Buddha wooden statue, and an ancient Bodhi tree said to date back to the Tang Dynasty. For generations, locals have considered it a spiritual place to pray for health and peace. Every year on Laba Festival, Beijing residents come here to drink Laba porridge, forming a unique cultural tradition.

2. Temple Layout and Architectural Art

Architectural Style and Symbolism
The temple follows the traditional Chinese Buddhist “Seven-Hall Layout” along a central axis, including the Mountain Gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Three Buddhas, Reclining Buddha Hall, and Sutra Library. Built on a hillside, the buildings rise step by step, symbolizing the spiritual journey from the secular world toward Buddhist enlightenment.

The most striking feature is the giant reclining Buddha statue inside the Reclining Buddha Hall. This Yuan Dynasty statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Nirvana is 5.3 meters long and weighs 54 tons, carved entirely from a single piece of sandalwood. The Buddha lies peacefully on his right side, with 12 disciples standing around him, recreating the moment of the Buddha’s Nirvana in Kushinagar.

Art Treasures and Symbolism
The reclining Buddha represents the pinnacle of Yuan Dynasty Buddhist sculpture. Even after seven centuries, its painted colors are still visible, with flowing robe details showing the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient artisans. In the Hall of the Three Buddhas, statues of the Past, Present, and Future Buddhas are enshrined, along with finely crafted Eighteen Arhats, each vivid and lifelike.

3. Travel Guide: The Best Way to Experience It

Suggested Itinerary (1.5–2 hours)

1. Enter through the Mountain Gate and admire the historic plaque “Temple of Universal Awakening.”
2. In the Hall of Heavenly Kings, view Maitreya Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings.
3. In the Hall of the Three Buddhas, experience Buddhism’s concept of past, present, and future.
4. Spend 20 minutes in the Reclining Buddha Hall to appreciate the main statue.
5. Stroll through the bamboo path in the rear courtyard.

Best Visiting Seasons
Spring and autumn are the most beautiful. In spring, peonies and magnolias bloom in the courtyards; in autumn, golden ginkgo leaves contrast with the temple’s red walls and gray tiles. The best time is weekday mornings, when it is quieter and less crowded than weekends.

Guided Tours
The temple offers Chinese-language guided tours. An English guidebook is available for purchase at the entrance. For visitors with a deeper interest in Buddhist art, professional guided services can be booked in advance.

4. Visitor Etiquette: Respect and Understanding

Dress Code and Behavior
Wear modest clothing—avoid shorts, tank tops, or overly revealing outfits. Smoking, loud talking, and touching relics are prohibited. When photographing Buddha statues, always turn off the flash as a sign of respect.

Joining Religious Activities
Daily morning and evening chanting takes place, with larger Buddhist ceremonies on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month and on Buddha’s birthday. Visitors may quietly observe from outside the halls. If you wish to offer incense, you may purchase it inside the temple. Unlike many commercialized sites, Wofo Temple has preserved its traditional Zen atmosphere.

5. Practical Information

Location and Transportation
Wofo Temple is located inside the Beijing Botanical Garden (Wofosi Road, Haidian District, Beijing).

• By public transport (recommended): Take the Xijiao Line to 【Botanical Garden Station】, enter through the southeast gate, and walk 15 minutes following the signs.
• By car: Parking is limited around the Botanical Garden, especially in peak seasons (April–May, October–November). Expect queues during these times.

Tickets and Opening Hours

• Tickets: Botanical Garden entrance RMB 5; Wofo Temple ticket RMB 5 (both purchased on-site).
• Opening hours:
  • Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 8:00–17:00
  • Low season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 8:30–16:30
• No reservation required, but opening hours may change during major Buddhist festivals.

Nearby Attractions
Wofo Temple is close to the Beijing Botanical Garden, Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall, and Cherry Valley. Plan at least half a day to explore the area. Outside the temple, several vegetarian restaurants offer authentic Buddhist vegetarian food, perfect for completing a peaceful spiritual journey.