[2026 Beijing Attraction] Pudu Temple Travel Guide & Travel Experiences | Updated Oct

✨The white magnolias at Pudu Temple are truly the white moonlight of Beijing's spring! Hidden next to the East Huamen Gate of the Forbidden City, this free royal secret spot becomes breathtakingly beautiful during blooming season, where ancient charm meets spring vibes in full bloom~ 1. How many stories does Pudu Temple hold? This place was once the residence of Prince Rui, Dorgon, the regent of the early Qing Dynasty, later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple. There’s no incense hustle and bustle, only gray bricks, red walls, green tiled eaves, paired with the wildly blooming white magnolias, making it the most “ancient-feeling” magnolia viewing spot in Beijing. Every petal exudes nobility~🌸 The peak blooming period for white magnolias is from mid-March to early April, and now is the best time to see them. Miss it and you’ll have to wait a whole year! 2. 🚗 Detailed transportation routes: For subway riders: · Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (Exit B Northeast), then walk about 10 minutes to Nanchizi Street, turn into Pudu Temple Front Alley, and you’re there. The route is full of old Beijing hutong charm~ · Take Line 5 to Dongdan Station (Exit A Northwest), then walk 15 minutes to reach the spot, with plenty of little surprises along the way~ By car/taxi: Navigate to “No. 35, Pudu Temple Front Alley.” The surrounding hutongs are narrow, so it’s recommended to park near Donghuamen parking lot and walk in slowly to enjoy the atmosphere~ From the Forbidden City: Exit East Huamen Gate and walk north along Nanchizi Street for 5 minutes, then turn at the “Pudu Temple Front Alley” sign. You’ll encounter springtime surprises in no time~ 3. 📸 Photo & sightseeing tips: Best times for photography are amazing! · 7:00-9:00 AM: The light is soft like a filter, few people around, capturing the tranquil beauty of flowers and architecture. Every shot looks like a classical masterpiece~ · 4:00-5:30 PM: The setting sun casts warm golden light on the red walls, and the white magnolias glow translucent like jade in the light and shadow. Many viral photos on Xiaohongshu are taken during this time—don’t miss out! 💡Quick tips: · Free admission! No reservation needed, just walk in~ · Open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Visiting the courtyard is best between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM for optimal light and experience~ Viewing magnolias here feels like hearing a conversation between history and spring. The ancient buildings paired with white flowers are so beautiful you’ll lose track of time~😉

Autumn settles quietly at Pudu Temple, where fallen leaves gather around the old halls and branches of hawthorn hang heavy with bright red fruit. One ancient wall, one fruit-laden tree, and the timeless atmosphere of old Beijing — together creating a scene of understated beauty. Tucked beneath the shadow of the former imperial city, Pudu Temple feels wonderfully removed from the rhythm of modern Beijing. Here, autumn seems to slow down, turning an ordinary corner into something quietly romantic. 📍 Pudu Temple, Beijing 🇨🇳 📸 Photography Tip: Frame the red hawthorn against the weathered architecture to highlight the contrast between autumn colour and historic textures. ✨ Signature Feeling: A quiet autumn romance beneath the ancient walls of the imperial city. Sometimes, autumn needs nothing more than an old wall and a tree of red fruit.

I originally planned to see the street in the rain yesterday, but it cleared up by the time I arrived~ But that's okay; the sunset kept me company, and it was just as beautiful~ Although many storefronts are still vacant, the lack of crowds makes it perfect for relaxing~ This is going to be my happy place from now on~ hehehe~ If it's your first time here and you want to explore more, you can start from the east entrance of Xixinglong Street. Stroll all the way west; the shops on both sides of the street are quite interesting! And if you have the energy, you can wander through the Caochang Ten Hutongs (the ten alleys); they all have their own unique charm. I walked south from Caochang Second Alley to Sanlihe Park. I used to go there all the time back when the park was first developed and the Chunfeng Xixi Bookstore had just opened, so I found my way there pretty easily! From Sanlihe Park, continue west to Qianmen Street (if you don't have the energy to visit Sanlihe Park, you can just head west along Xixinglong Street to reach Qianmen Street). Actually, the whole route wasn't too far for me. After reaching Qianmen Street, I followed the hutongs west to South Xinhua Road. I was planning to head back, but I passed by Liulichang, so I walked east from Liulichang back to Qianmen! The total route is about 6 km now~

Pass through the hustle and bustle of Nanchizi Street and turn into Pudu Temple Front Alley, where the noise suddenly fades away. An ancient temple perched on a high platform stands quietly deep within the hutong. This is Pudu Temple, which was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in 2013. The history of Pudu Temple is far deeper than its name suggests. The original site was the Taiyi Altar of the Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, it became the Imperial City's East Garden, the "Little South City" where the crown prince resided. After the Tumu Crisis, Emperor Yingzong of Ming, Zhu Qizhen, was captured and returned to the capital, only to be placed under house arrest here. Years later, the "Coup of the Gate" also originated from this very spot. In the early Qing Dynasty, it became the Prince Rui Mansion of the Regent Dorgon. It was once known as the "Second Court," where imperial memorials were reviewed and the imperial seal was kept, leaving the Shunzhi Emperor in the Forbidden City almost forgotten. In the 33rd year of the Kangxi reign, the old mansion was converted into the Mahakala Temple. In the 41st year of the Qianlong reign, it was bestowed the name "Pudu Temple," and from then on, the sounds of Buddhist chants replaced political intrigue. Today, only the mountain gate and Ciji Hall remain, yet they are well worth a visit. The entire main hall is built on a brick platform approximately three meters high. This served as the foundation for the sleeping quarters of the Ming Dynasty's Chonghua Palace and reflects the Manchu architectural preference for "high palace, low hall." The roof of the hall features yellow glazed tiles with green borders, while the porch uses green tiles with yellow borders—a color combination rarely seen in Beijing's temples. Most notably, the window lattices are low, a design adapted to the cold climate beyond the Great Wall and the traditional custom of sitting on the floor. The ang (lever arm) at the eaves' dougong (bracket set) is carved into the shape of a dragon's head, peering out slightly with a gentle, non-threatening expression. Standing before this, the only surviving Manchu-style imperial building in Beijing, one can feel 600 years of history swirling among the upturned eaves. From the morning studies of princes to the strategic planning of Dorgon, from the height of political power to the serenity of Buddhist chants, Pudu Temple has witnessed so much. Today, it stands quietly at the foot of the Imperial City, tucking all its stories away beneath those intertwined yellow and green glazed tiles.

Pudu Temple: A Qing Dynasty princely mansion hidden deep in the hutongs, uncrowded, beautiful, and free 🕍 The most surprising discovery on my Beijing city walk was actually this Pudu Temple, hidden deep in Nanchizi Hutong. I stumbled upon it while wandering around on the weekend and was drawn in by the red walls and gray tiles. I didn't expect to be so immersed in history. 📍Location: 100 meters east of the intersection of Nanchizi Street and Pudu Temple Front Alley 🕐Opening hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM, year-round This was originally the residence of Prince Regent Dorgon, later converted into a temple, and is now open to the public. It's not very large, but it stands out for its complete layout and lack of crowds, making it perfect for those who enjoy a quiet, leisurely stroll. 🏛️Architectural highlights: The stone foundation is very well-preserved, with the patterns on the bluestone base still clearly visible, reflecting the imperial standards of the time. The main hall features typical Qing Dynasty princely mansion architecture, with dougong brackets, upturned eaves, and carved beams and painted rafters. Despite the passage of time, it remains grand. The ancient trees in the courtyard are also quite old, and standing in their shade is very pleasant. 📸Photo spots: | The corridor in front of the red wall, where the interplay of light and shadow makes for great photos | The stone steps in front of the main hall, where you can capture the full view of the building | The side gate, where you can see the corner tower of the Forbidden City in the distance, creating a great contrast between the ancient and the modern 🌟Highlights: 1️⃣ Free! Free! Free! Important things must be said 3 times 2️⃣ 10,000 times less crowded than the Forbidden City, perfect for a slow-paced visit 3️⃣ Separated from the Forbidden City by only one wall, so you can plan to visit both in one day Tips: ✅ It is recommended to come after 3:00 PM, when the light is soft and good for photos ✅ Nanchizi Street is nearby, so you can grab afternoon tea after your visit ✅ There are currently no guided tours, so it is recommended to do some research before you come To be honest, among the many attractions in Beijing, Pudu Temple isn't the most stunning, but it wins for being quiet and authentic. There are no crowds and no over-commercialization; it's just an old building standing quietly, telling the story of hundreds of years of change. If you are a history enthusiast or want to avoid the crowds, it is worth a visit.

On the east side of Beijing’s Forbidden City, deep into Nan Chi Zi Street, there is a quiet old temple that is easy to miss — Pudu Temple. It’s only about 100 meters from the Forbidden City, yet it sees almost no tourists. But the temple’s predecessor was the southern palace where Emperor Yingzong was placed under house arrest, and later it became the regent Dorgon’s princely residence. One temple once held an emperor’s cage and a powerful minister’s ambition. 🏯 From southern palace to princely residence: two chapters of power in one building Pudu Temple began as the southern palace of the Ming imperial gardens. In the 14th year of Zhengtong (1449), Emperor Yingzong (Zhu Qizhen) was captured in the Tumu Fortress incident, and his brother Zhu Qiyu took the throne as Emperor Jingtai. After Yingzong returned, he was confined in the southern palace for seven years. During those years he planted trees, chanted sutras, and lived in constant fear until the eighth year of Jingtai (1457), when Yingzong staged the “Gate Seizure” to reclaim the throne. The southern palace thus became one of the most brutal footnotes in Ming power struggles. In the early Qing, this site was chosen by Dorgon and transformed into the regent’s princely residence. After the Qing entered China, Dorgon effectively held the highest power; his residence was built with extraordinary grandeur, far exceeding typical princely homes. People even said “Dorgon’s mansion looked more like the Forbidden City than the Forbidden City itself.” After Dorgon died he was posthumously honored as emperor, then quickly purged and his temple abolished. The residence went through several changes before being converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple and named Pudu Temple. 🏛️ Highlights: the main hall base remains, Manchu‑Mongol style is prominent The gate and main hall: Today Pudu Temple retains only the gate and the main hall, but they still show the former splendor. The main hall sits on a brick-and-stone base about 2 meters high; viewed from below, it still has the momentum of a “small Forbidden City.” The wide moon terrace in front of the hall is a survival from the princely residence era — ordinary temples rarely have such a high platform. Manchu‑Mongol architectural features: Both the main hall and the gate retain clear Manchu‑Mongol characteristics. The painted beams and purlins under the eaves are bold and vivid, and details incorporate elements of Tibetan Buddhism. This style is rarely seen in Beijing’s surviving ancient buildings and is worth close attention. Front portico and dougong: The hall projects forward with a portico; the dougong bracket sets and column styles preserve early Qing features. Inside the hall is the Pudu Temple historical and cultural exhibition, which uses images and models to tell the building’s story from southern palace to princely residence to temple. Ancient locust trees in front of the hall: The courtyard has several old locust trees with dense canopies. When the locust blossoms fall in summer, the courtyard is carpeted with delicate white flowers — one of Nan Chi Zi Street’s quietest scenes. 👻 Legends and stories: the dialogue between Emperor Yingzong and Dorgon Emperor Yingzong’s tree: Legend says that while Yingzong was confined in the southern palace, his favorite was an old locust tree in the courtyard. After he regained the throne he even sent people to check on that tree. That original tree is gone, but Pudu Temple’s ancient locusts give the story a tangible image. Dorgon’s overreach: Unofficial histories say Dorgon built his residence on the southern palace because the place had once confined an emperor, and he hoped to suppress the previous dynasty’s symbolic “dragon aura.” In the end Dorgon never became emperor; after his death his household was purged. Old Beijingers say “a prince’s mansion shouldn’t be built where an emperor was ever held,” which seems to refer to this rise-and-fall. Pudu Temple’s bell: In Qing times, the lamas at Pudu Temple rang the bell every morning, and the sound could reach the Forbidden City. It’s said that Emperor Shunzhi would sometimes stand in the imperial garden and listen to the bell, thinking of his powerful “regent father.” 🌿 Local life: the royal fringe of Nan Chi Zi Street Nan Chi Zi Street, where Pudu Temple sits, is one of the old city’s most central yet quiet areas. To the west are the Forbidden City’s red palace walls; to the east are gray-brick hutongs. The street lacks bustling tourist crowds and is mostly home to longtime residents and the occasional young passerby. On summer evenings people practice tai chi in the square in front of Pudu Temple and kids ride skateboards. It’s only a 10-minute walk to Tiananmen and Wangfujing, yet it feels like another Beijing. 🥢 Nearby eats: north and south flavors around Donghuamen · Siji Minfu (Donghuamen branch): famous roast duck, window seats face a corner tower of the Forbidden City — eat duck while watching the palace wall at sunset · Heyan Roubing: a local home-style Beijing eatery near Nan Chi Zi, known for door‑nail meat pies and sweet-and-sour mu xu · Noodle house · Beiping Restaurant: Beijing flavors, good zhajiang noodles and braised ribbon fish · Donghuamen snack street: stalls are fewer after renovation, but you can still find Beijing snacks · Wangfujing snack street/APM: a 15-minute walk from Pudu Temple, with many mall dining options 🗺️ Practical info and suggested route Transport: Take Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East station, exit B, then walk north along Nan Chi Zi Street about 10 minutes. Or take Metro Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong station and walk south about 15 minutes. Cycling or walking is most convenient; parking is very difficult. Admission and opening hours: Free, no reservation required. Open about 9:00 AM–4:30 PM. Closed on Monday. Allow 1 hour for a visit. Suggested route: Pudu Temple > stroll Nan Chi Zi Street > Donghuamen to photograph the Forbidden City corner tower > Siji Minfu for lunch or dinner > in the evening walk along the palace wall to Wangfujing. Nearby connections: Pudu Temple > Forbidden City Donghuamen/corner tower (5-minute walk) > Imperial Ancestral Temple or Zhongshan Park > Tiananmen Square. This area is ideal for a half-day walk under the imperial city walls. Where to stay: Stay in the Wangfujing or Dongdan area for easy walking access, or choose a Nanluoguxiang hutong guesthouse to experience a different kind of old-city atmosphere. 📸 Photo and outfit tips · Shoot the main hall from below to capture the “small Forbidden City” momentum · Close-ups of the gate and the Manchu‑Mongol paintings are great · Shoot light and shadow under the ancient locusts, best in summer · Wear light colors or modern Chinese-style outfits to harmonize with red walls and gray tiles · Photos inside the hall are allowed, but do not use flash · -- Pudu Temple has none of a big temple’s incense or the Forbidden City’s crowds. It quietly squats under the imperial city walls like an old person who has seen the rise and fall of power. Yingzong spent seven years here, Dorgon reached his peak here, and in the end both returned to dust. One temple holds half of the Ming imperial power struggle and half of the Qing regent’s rise and fall. Next time you finish touring the Forbidden City, don’t rush to Wangfujing. Walk a few steps east and sit for a while at Pudu Temple. Under the ancient locusts, with the breeze crossing Nan Chi Zi, you’ll feel that Beijing’s history is not only hidden inside palace walls but also tucked away in these quiet little temples 🏯🌿

🌴Attraction name: Beijing Pudu Temple 🌍 Location: No. 35, Pudu Temple Front Alley, east side of Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 🎄 Overview: Pudu Temple was originally built during the Ming dynasty on the site of the Eastern Garden of the Imperial City (also known as "Little South City"), once the residence of the crown prince. After Emperor Yingzong Zhu Qizhen was captured during the Tumu Crisis and returned to Beijing, he was held under house arrest here. The famous "Seizing the Gate Incident" also began at this location. In the early Qing dynasty, it became the residence of Prince Regent Dorgon, bustling with carriages and officials. In the 33rd year of Kangxi’s reign (1694), the old prince’s residence was converted into the Mahakala Temple, dedicated to the guardian deity Daheitian. In the 41st year of Qianlong’s reign (1776), it was named "Pudu Temple." This ancient temple is the only surviving example of typical Manchu-style architecture in Beijing. The halls are built on a high platform, with low window frames, alternating yellow and green glazed tiles, and triple-eaved flying roofs, fully reflecting the royal style beyond the Great Wall. 🌈 Highlights: [Unique Manchu royal architecture] [Spring magnolia secret garden] [Historical site of Ming and Qing dynasties] 🌸 Best time to visit: [Mid-March to early April] At this time, two rows of magnolia trees in front of the main hall bloom in competition, pure white and noble purple. The ancient temple and flower shadows complement each other, with few visitors, making it the most tranquil springtime flower-viewing secret spot in Beijing. The soft light from 7 AM to 9 AM and the slanting sunset from 4 PM to 5:30 PM casting red walls are the best for photos. 🚴🏻 One-day itinerary: Morning: Exit from Tiananmen East Station on Metro Line 1 at Exit B, stroll along Nanchizi Street to experience the old Beijing hutong atmosphere. Upon arrival at Pudu Temple, first look up at the main hall built on a high platform. Notice the unique yellow tiles with green trim on the roof and green tiles with yellow trim on the projecting eaves—distinctive designs from the Qianlong era. Walk around the hall to find the wooden dragon heads on the beam ends of the eaves and appreciate the Manchu wisdom of "high palace, low hall" living style. Afternoon: Rest under the magnolia trees in the square in front of the hall, imagining the grand scene of Dorgon strategizing here 300 years ago or the loneliness of Emperor Yingzong during his house arrest. Then walk 5 minutes to Donghua Gate of the Forbidden City, linking Pudu Temple with the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City into a complete imperial city picture. Evening: Head to Wangfujing pedestrian street to end the day’s imperial city stroll amid the glowing lights. ✅ Must-visit spot: Pudu Temple main hall This main hall is the only typical Manchu-style cultural relic building in Beijing, built on a roughly 3-meter-high brick platform with seven bays wide. The grand Xumizuo-style base is magnificent. The most unique feature is the very low window frames—designed to adapt to the cold climate beyond the Great Wall and the Manchu habit of sitting on the floor. The roof has yellow glazed tiles with green trim, while the projecting eaves use green glazed tiles with yellow trim, creating a rare color contrast among Beijing temples. The hall once enshrined the deity Daheitian. Although the Qianlong emperor’s calligraphy plaque "Juehai Cihang" no longer exists, the building itself is a frozen piece of history. 🥗 Food: Peking duck, Beile roast meat, and cleverly mixed pea shoots are signature flavors along Nanchizi Street. The roast duck has crispy skin and tender meat, Beile roast meat is fragrant, and the pea shoots are refreshing and balance the richness, full of Beijing flavor. 🏠 Restaurant: Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant (Forbidden City branch), located at No. 11 Nanchizi Street, just a few hundred meters from Pudu Temple. It is a well-regarded choice for Peking duck in Beijing, with an average cost of about 130 to 180 yuan per person. 🚅 Transportation: 🚁 Airplane: About 30 km from Beijing Capital International Airport. Take the airport express to Sanyuanqiao Station, transfer to Metro Line 10 to Guomao Station, then transfer to Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station Exit B. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk. 🚕 Car: Exit northeast of Tiananmen East Station on Metro Line 1 at Exit B, then walk about 900 meters along Nanchizi Street; or take bus routes 2 or 82 to Donghua Gate Station, then walk. The surrounding hutongs are narrow, so it’s recommended to park near Donghua Gate and walk in. 🏰 Hotel: Hanting Hotel (Beijing Tiananmen branch), located on Nanchizi Street, 50 meters from the east gate of the Working People’s Cultural Palace. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Pudu Temple. You can hear the national anthem during the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen in the morning and see the red glow on the Forbidden City walls in the evening. It offers a peaceful retreat amid the bustling imperial city, making it an excellent choice for visiting the imperial city area. 🚗 Location: Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, adjacent to Tiananmen East Station on Metro Line 1. 👧 Tips: Pudu Temple is open free of charge year-round, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Recommended visit duration is 30 minutes to 1 hour. During spring flower season, there are more visitors, so it’s best to visit early in the morning for quiet. The interior of the hall is currently closed to visitors, but the courtyard and exterior of the main hall are impressive enough. Beijing has large temperature differences between spring and autumn, so bring a jacket; in summer, protect yourself from the sun; in winter, keep warm. The surrounding area is a hutong preservation zone, so please keep quiet and respect local residents’ lives.

This travel plan was based on the desire to visit as much as possible and spend as little as possible😀🙃, within the framework of available connections and transport accessibility

Among the many temples in Beijing, Pudu Temple is very low-key. Its presence is overshadowed by the spotlight on top attractions like the Forbidden City, Jingshan, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and Wangfujing. This nationally protected site quietly stands in a small alley east of the Forbidden City, calmly watching the magnolia flowers bloom and fall in the courtyard. 👍Highly Recommended: On both sides of the square in front of the main hall, many magnolia trees have been planted, now in full bloom. The trees are not very tall, but the flowers bloom vibrantly and gracefully—pure white, noble purple, and charming white with purple hues. It’s perfect for close-up appreciation and easy to capture the beautiful artistic effect of the flowers framed with ancient architecture. The key is that there are few tourists, allowing you time and space to slowly enjoy the beautiful scenery where the ancient temple and magnolias complement each other. It definitely deserves to be in the top tier of spring flower viewing spots in Beijing! 🌟Highlights and Features: This place was once the site where Ming Emperor Yingzong was held under house arrest after being captured in the Tumu Crisis. It was also the residence of Prince Regent Dorgon, the first meritorious official of the early Qing dynasty. During the Kangxi era, it was converted into a royal temple. Now, only the main hall and the mountain gate remain (hence called a relic), but it is very distinctive as Beijing’s only surviving royal building with Manchu characteristics: 1. The entire temple is built on a brick platform about 3 meters high (the base of the Ming Dynasty Chonghua Palace), reflecting the Manchu living habit of “high palace, low hall.” 2. Roof tile colors: The main hall uses yellow glazed tiles with green edging, the front porch of the main hall uses green glazed tiles with yellow edging, and the mountain gate features a yellow and green dual-color combination. This unique color scheme is extremely rare. 3. The window lattice design of the main hall is very low, adapted to the cold climate outside the Great Wall and the Manchu custom of sitting on the floor (eye level view). 4. The corner dougong brackets of the main hall are carved into dragon head shapes. 📝Tips: ~ The photos were taken late in the day; if you visit on a sunny day, the effect against the blue sky will be even more stunning! ~ The address is Pudu Temple Front Alley, located between Nan Chi Zi Street and Nanheyan Street, very close to the Forbidden City and Wangfujing. ~ No admission fee is required; it feels like a neighborhood park and closes quite late.

Red walls reflect the white snow, magnolias intoxicate the spring breeze Encounter the gentlest spring in Beijing at Pudusi Temple No crowded crowds, only ancient temples, blooming flowers, and tranquility A 300-year-old ancient temple, once the mansion of Dorgon Vermilion palace walls, glazed flying eaves Beijing's top spot to admire magnolias! Few people, free, and absolutely beautiful Right next to the Forbidden City, stop squeezing into the Forbidden City! ✅ Check-in Guide 📍 Address: No. 35, Qiánxiàng, Pudusi, Dongcheng District 🚇 Subway: Line 1, Tiananmen East Station Exit B, 10-minute walk 🎫 Admission: Free, open all day ⏰ Blooming period: Peak bloom in late March. On 2026·03·21, not fully bloomed yet, next week is the best time to see magnolias ⏳ Best time: Early 7-9 AM / after 4 PM, soft lighting ✅ Photo Tips 1. Use the main hall and red walls as background for a full classical feel 2. Stand under the magnolia tree on the stone platform to frame people and flowers together 3. Use telephoto lens for close-ups, petals look translucent and textured 4. Outfit: New Chinese style/light colors, paired with a round fan is amazing

Having seen magnolias from various places, it turns out that the red walls and green tiles of the Imperial City best highlight the elegant charm of magnolias. Just standing under the flowering trees instantly transports you back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. [1] Imperial Ancestral Temple P1-2 · The magnolias at the Imperial Ancestral Temple perfectly match the temple’s grandeur, befitting the Ming and Qing emperors’ ancestral worship rituals, commanding a majestic atmosphere here. · Located outside the temple courtyard at the entrance with the five-colored glazed tiles gate. · Blooming period: mid-March to early April · Admission: 2 RMB [2] Wanshou Temple P3-4 · The top spot in the city for “Ancient Temple Magnolia Fragrance,” this temple was built by Emperor Qianlong to celebrate his mother’s birthday, with high ceremonial standards. · Large trees with dense flowers, perfect for portrait photography. · Located near the exit of the mountain gate hall, in the second courtyard. · Blooming period: mid-March to early April · Admission: 20 RMB [3] Altar Palace of the Temple of Heaven P5-6 · The emperor’s fasting palace for worshipping heaven, surrounded by magnolias. · White magnolias can be found at the main gate, south side of the main hall, north corner of the sleeping hall, and west side hall corners, creating a striking contrast with the red walls and green tiles. · Red gates and white magnolias form a strong contrast, with roof beasts and magnolias in the same frame. · Peak bloom in late March · Admission: 10 RMB (15 RMB in peak season) [4] Summer Palace P7-11 · Home to a 200-year-old ancient magnolia tree that won the title of “One of Beijing’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Trees.” · Located at Leshou Hall, said to be a relic of the imperial garden, the tree is pure white, exuding royal grandeur and dignity. · Nearby Yaoyue Gate and Yiyun Pavilion also have beautiful magnolias. · Blooming period: early March to early April · Admission: 20 RMB (30 RMB in peak season) [5] Dajue Temple P12-13 · The best magnolias in Beijing + a 300-year-old tree king are here. · An ancient tree from the Qianlong era, huge and vigorous, with lotus-shaped flowers. Drinking a pot of spring tea under the magnolias among the red walls can heal your whole day. · The ancient magnolia is located at Siyi Hall, with Minghui Tea House being the best spot for flower viewing. · Blooming period: late March to early April · Admission: 20 RMB [6] Pudu Temple P14-15 · Early Qing dynasty prince Dorgon once lived here. This rare Manchu-style architecture in Beijing is famous for the two rows of magnolias in front of the main hall. · Features both white and purple magnolias, blooming from late March to mid-April. · Free admission [7] Grand View Garden P16-17 · The white magnolias in front of the Grand View Pavilion are magnificent. · A single purple magnolia at the entrance of Zilingzhou is gentle and graceful. · Admission: 40 RMB

⛰【Attraction Guide】 📍Detailed Address: Pudu Temple Front Alley, Dongcheng District, Beijing 🚗Transportation Guide: Accessible by Beijing Metro Line 1, Batong Line, Line 8, or Bus No. 2 from downtown Beijing 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 💰Admission Fee: Free 🌟Highlights: Pudu Temple is located at No. 35 Pudu Temple Front Alley, Dongcheng District, Beijing. The original site was the Yuan Dynasty Taiyi Altar, and during the Ming Dynasty, it was part of the old Hongqing Palace in the southern city, originally named the Eastern Imperial City Garden, also known as "Little Southern City," covering nearly 10,000 square meters. It was the residence of the crown prince. In the early Qing Dynasty, it became the mansion of Prince Rui (the Regent), one of the Eight Iron-Capped Princes, Dorgon. After the prince’s mansion was abolished, Emperor Kangxi ordered it to be rebuilt as the Mahakala Temple, one of the royal temples surrounding the Forbidden City. In the 41st year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1776 AD), the Mahakala Temple was renamed Pudu Temple. The main existing buildings include the Shanmen Hall and the Main Hall, with the Main Hall inscribed "Ciji Hall" by Emperor Gaozong. On May 24, 1984, the Main Hall of Pudu Temple was designated as the third batch of municipal cultural relic protection units by the Beijing Municipal Government. On March 5, 2013, Pudu Temple was listed as the seventh batch of national key cultural relic protection units by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. 📌Tips: Nearby attractions include the Palace Museum and Chen Duxiu’s Former Residence, which can be visited together.

A super off-the-beaten-path autumn viewing spot next to the Forbidden City 🙌 Pudusi Temple is truly amazing! 📍Address: 100 meters east of the intersection of Nanchizi Street and Pudusi Front Alley ⏰Time: Open 24 hours, free of charge This is completely my secret treasure spot 👑 When the Forbidden City is so crowded you start doubting life, just turn around and you’ll find this peaceful haven~ Red walls and dark tiles paired with golden ginkgo leaves 🍂 Traditional Chinese architecture with a sky full of red leaves—every shot looks like a masterpiece! The best part is the crowd—super! Few! You can pose freely without worrying about strangers ruining your composition 🎬 ✨Photography tips: 1️⃣ Wearing solid colors makes photos stand out more 2️⃣ The light is softest between 3-4 PM 3️⃣ Bring a book or some fallen leaves as props It’s amazing that so few people know about such a beautiful place. So lucky! Save it quickly and rush over before autumn ends 🙋‍♀️

Following the earliest Magnolia grandiflora, other Magnolia species in Beijing have also entered their peak blooming period. The 🛕Pudu Temple Magnolia, located near Nanchizi Street, is also one of the must-visit flower viewing spots for many photography enthusiasts every year📸 🛕Pudu Temple Ruins 📍Address: Pudu Temple Front Lane, Dongcheng District ✅Magnolia is planted on the east and west sides of the entrance to the main hall of Pudu Temple. 🌸Most of them have bloomed and the flowers are in good condition. ✅The main magnolia here is white. On the east side, closest to the main hall, there is a magnolia with purple roots, which is quite different. ✅The main hall of Pudu Temple is not open to the public. When photographing magnolia, you can use the flowers as the foreground and the main hall or the mountain gate hall as the background. The white magnolia and the ancient building are in the same frame, which is more photogenic. ✅If you want to take a portrait of a flower, you can stand on the steps under the flower. The flowers are relatively low, so it is no problem to take a group photo. ✅It is recommended to arrive before 10 am. The magnolia on the west side of the main hall is illuminated by the sun, and the magnolia on the east side is partially blocked by light and shadow, but it will be more favorable if you shoot towards the main hall ✅This was once the residence of Prince Dorgon. On the west side of the mountain gate of Pudu Temple, there is a bronze bust of him. ⭕️Others 1️⃣The main hall of Pudu Temple is usually not open to the public, but occasionally there are some exhibitions 🖼️ held here 2️⃣There is a paid 🅿️ underground parking lot here, but public transportation is recommended for visiting here 3️⃣ Magnolia is currently at its best viewing period. The temperature has been relatively high recently, and the flowering period is expected to last for about 8-10 days.

With the recent warm weather in Beijing, magnolia trees are blooming all over the city. Here's a free and less-crowded temple to check out—Pudu Temple. ✨Bloom Forecast The peak bloom for magnolias this year is predicted to be between March 15 and 25. The best times to take photos are 7–9am or 4–6pm. The most stunning time for photos with the red walls is 4:30pm on a sunny afternoon! 👗Outfit Inspiration ▫️New Chinese Style: Xiangyun Sha/silk clothing + jade hairpin ▫️Light Colors: Apricot coat + pearl earrings ▫️Props: Oiled paper umbrella/round fan/thread-bound book 💰Admission: Free 🚇Directions Address: No. 35, Pudu Temple Front Alley, Nanchizi Street Subway: 10-minute walk from Tiananmen East Station (Exit B), Line 1 Hidden Entrance: A shorter walk from the alley west of the "Imperial City Art Museum" on Nanchizi Street 🌸Nearby Activities A 5-minute walk from the temple: ▫️Nanchizi Art Museum (Suzhou-style garden) ▫️MAPS Hutong Cafe (Forbidden City view from the terrace) ▫️Taimiao Temple Magnolias (longer stretch of red walls) "Spring breezes caress the railings, dew glistens, magnolias bloom silently, smiling in the east wind." This spring, make sure to visit Pudu Temple. Witness the timeless romance between white magnolias and the ancient city walls at this 600-year-old temple.

The magnolias in Beijing's "First Ring Road" have finally reached their best viewing period. A 🚶‍♀️walking flower-viewing route takes you to check in at three places where magnolias are in full bloom. Don't go back, enjoy the spring with fewer people and beautiful scenery🌸 👉Recommended route: 🚇Metro Tiananmen East - 🛕Pudu Temple (Magnolia) - Enter from the East Gate 🏞️Beijing Workers' Cultural Palace (Magnolia) West Gate - Enter from the East Gate 🏞️Zhongshan Park (plum blossoms, tulips 🌷, mountain peach blossoms 🌸, magnolia) Southwest Gate - 🚇Metro Tiananmen West 📸Filming date: March 20, 2025, morning ✅This route completely avoids the large number of tourists going to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Although you will go through three security checks🛂, it is better because there are fewer people and the queue is faster. ✅The magnolias of Pudu Temple are planted on the east and west sides of the main hall. They are mainly white magnolias. Those near the main hall have entered the best flowering period. You can take pictures with the ancient buildings. There are few people and the pictures are good. ✅The magnolias in the Working People's Cultural Palace can be located in the "Prince Forest" 🌳. There are several magnolias on the east and west sides. The ones on the east side are a bit dilapidated, while the ones on the west side are just right. The flowers are dense and low, which is very convenient for taking portraits 👩 (the pine and cypress trees in the garden are currently emitting pollen. When the wind blows, the pollen will float like fog. It is recommended to wear a mask 😷) ✅There is a Taimiao in the Labor People's Cultural Palace. If you have enough time, you can buy a ticket to visit it. It has the largest existing golden nanmu palace in China🏯 ✅The magnolia in Zhongshan Park is the most worth photographing in front of the Lanting Pavilion. The white magnolia is set off by the blue pavilion, which gives a different feeling. The magnolia flowers here are very large, and they are white and transparent under the sunlight, which looks very beautiful. ✅In addition, the Tulip Cultural Festival is currently being held in Zhongshan Park. The first batch of cultivated tulips 💐 have already appeared in the flowerbed of the park. The plum blossoms in the plum garden are about 20% in bloom, so you can wait for about another week. The mountain peach blossoms 🌸 in front of the Concert Hall are blooming particularly well, so you can stop by 📸 to enjoy the flowers and take pictures ‼ ️This flower-viewing route is mainly for viewing and photographing magnolias. Currently, the magnolias in these three places are in their best blooming period and should last for about a week. 🎫About tickets 🔸Pudu Temple: Free 🔸Beijing Workers' Cultural Palace: 2 yuan, free with 💳trade union card; Imperial Ancestral Temple 💰 ticket 10 yuan 🔸Zhongshan Park: Tickets are 3 yuan, free with annual park pass 🎟️; Tanghuawu Huifang Garden inside charges an additional 💰 ticket of 5 yuan, and there is a 🌷 tulip special exhibition

Following Nanchizi Street in Dongcheng District, Beijing, northwards, you will find several alleys named after Pudu Temple, such as Pudu Temple Front Alley, Back Alley, East Alley, and West Alley. This naturally arouses curiosity about what Pudu Temple is, given its grand scale near the Imperial City. Walking along the small paths paved with grey bricks and tiles into the depths of the alleys, you will discover a building on a high platform. The main hall, the mountain gate, and the square are all without walls, resembling an open-style palace garden. This is the site of Pudu Temple, which was formerly Dorgon’s mansion. Although only the mountain gate hall, Yinan Hall, and some auxiliary rooms remain today, they still display an extraordinary royal demeanor. Back when the regent held sway over the court, this place was practically another imperial court. Now, the remaining parts of the site are surrounded by residential areas, blending the weight of historical relics with the lightness of everyday life.

This time, the Vacheron Constantin exhibition held at Pudu Temple was by invitation only, so there were very few people. Watching the exhibition in the temple was very leisurely and comfortable, allowing one to spend the whole day there. I really learned a lot this time! I highly recommend everyone to visit museums when they have time. I must say, the wisdom of the ancients was truly unparalleled. The patterns on these porcelains and dragon robes are still very classic today and are often used as references in modern designs. These patterns are very beautiful and have profound meanings. Recommendation: The benefit of visiting museums is that you can learn from the past to understand the present. You can learn a lot of knowledge that you can't find in books and see how our ancestors lived thousands of years ago and what kind of times they experienced. Science Popularization: If you love watching Ming and Qing dynasty palace dramas, you will find that the 'Sea Water and Cliff Pattern' often appears on dragon robes! It also frequently appears on traditional crafts such as porcelain, lacquerware, and furniture. It is a traditional Chinese pattern, commonly known as 'Jiangya Haishui' or 'Haishui Jiangya'. At the bottom of the pattern, many curved lines are arranged diagonally, called 'water feet'. Above the water feet are many rolling waves, with a mountain rock standing in the water, and auspicious clouds embellishing it. It symbolizes 'Blessed Mountain and Longevity Sea' and also carries the meaning of unifying the country. The 'Sea Water and Cliff Pattern' varies in different periods. For example, in the early Ming Dynasty, it was a shell-shaped flat water pattern, in the late Ming Dynasty, it was a cloud pattern, and in the Kangxi period, it was a standing water pattern, etc.

Although the spring days in Beijing are short, But the flowers that compete with each other for beauty Enough to chase a whole spring … This is a little-known secret place hidden under the imperial city. Avoid the crowds in March and ride a bike through the alleys and stroll through ancient temples Feel the tranquility of Magnolia in a free centuries-old temple · 👀>Highlights ①Fresh and elegant magnolia Magnolia is like a poem, gentle as a painting, and each petal embodies the accumulation of years and the agility of life... The main hall has the first two rows of magnolias of different varieties, which are currently 90% loaded and are expected to enter full bloom in late March to early April. ②The only ancient Manchu-style building in Beijing Pudu Temple is built on a high platform with low window frames. It is the only typical ancient Manchu-style building in Beijing. This place originated in the Yuan Dynasty and was once the residence of Regent Dorgon. At present, only the mountain gate, main hall, and abbot's courtyard of the Pudu Temple are well preserved; the rest have been demolished or modified and have lost their original state. Public welfare calligraphy and painting exhibitions are held regularly in the main hall. With the ancient paintings with a strong style of the outside world, it seems as if time and space have been frozen... (No exhibition at present) · 📍>Location and transportation No. 35, Pudusiqianxiang, Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District, Metro Line 1, Tiananmen East Station, Exit B, 900 meters walk · ⏰>Opening hours and duration Monday to Sunday 9:00-17:00, less than one hour · 💰>Free and open · 📆>Photography date Filming on March 29, 2024, 11:40-12:10 noon · 📷>Equipment parameters Fuji x100v · Fully automatic mode · Film simulation classic Neg direct output ·

Pudu Temple is a key national cultural heritage site. Its original location was the Southern Palace, where the 'Seizure of the Gate' incident occurred during the Ming Dynasty. It was once the place where Ming Emperor Yingzong, Zhu Qizhen, was imprisoned. The Southern Palace was destroyed by Li Zicheng's peasant army during the reign of Emperor Chongzhen, and was rebuilt as the residence of the regent Dorgon during the Shunzhi era. Emperor Kangxi later converted it into the 'Mahakala Temple,' and Emperor Qianlong bestowed the name 'Pudu Temple.' After more than 300 years of history, it has now become a historical site. Currently, the 'Mountain Gate' and the 'Main Hall' remain. It's a quiet and nice place with few visitors. 🎈Address: 100 meters east of the intersection of Nanchizi Street and Pudu Temple Front Alley in Dongcheng District 🚪Admission: Free 🚗Transportation: Exit B of Tiananmen East Station on Subway Line 1, 930 meters by foot; Exit C of Jinyu Hutong Station on Subway Line 8, over 10 minutes by foot 📷Check-in: Pudu Temple is renowned for its magnolia flowers. There is a row of magnolia trees on each side of the Main Hall. On the left side, there is a yellow magnolia tree, and on the right side, a purple one, while the others are all white. The end of March and the beginning of April is the peak blooming season, and the blossoming flowers set against the tall palace are very beautiful. 👍Use the Main Hall or the intricate brackets as a background for a strong sense of depth and a great atmosphere. 👍For portrait photography, people can stand on the platform under the magnolia trees or in front of the railing of the Main Hall. 👍Try to choose a day with good weather for clearer photos ⏰Opening Hours: The blooming period is from the end of March to the beginning of April, open from 6:00 to 20:00

Pudu Temple (Pudu Temple), originally the site of the Yuan Taiyi Shrine, was part of the old site of the Hongqing Palace in the Ming Dynasty's southern city, originally known as the Imperial City East Garden, also known as 'Little Southern City', covering nearly 10,000 square meters, it was the residence of the crown prince. In the early Qing Dynasty, it became the mansion of the regent Dorgon. After the abolition of the royal residence, Emperor Kangxi ordered it to be rebuilt into the Mahakala Temple, one of the royal temples surrounding the Forbidden City. In the thirty-third year of Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1694), the Mahakala Temple was rebuilt. In the forty-first year of Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1776), the Mahakala Temple was granted the name Pudu Temple. The existing main buildings include the Shanmen Hall and the Grand Hall, with the Grand Hall inscribed with 'Ciji Hall', written by Emperor Gaozong.

Walking along the Nanchizi Street in Beijing, there is a hutong area that has been transformed. There are also many deep houses in the center, which is very special in the downtown area of Beijing. In an alley not far from Donghuamen Street, there is a building built on the high platform, the same age as the Forbidden City. This is the Pudu Temple. Pudu Temple is a name given to Qianlong. Although it is a "temple", there is no incense. The Pudu Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty. It was originally called Huangcheng Dongyuan, also known as "Little South City". It is the place where the Prince lived. At the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, it was the residence of the regent King Dorgon.

Walking along the Nanchizi Street in Beijing, there is a hutong area that has been transformed. There are also many deep houses in the center, which is very special in the downtown area of Beijing. In an alley not far from Donghuamen Street, there is a building built on the high platform. It is the same age as the Forbidden City. This is the Pudu Temple. It is named after Qianlong. Although it is a "temple", there is no incense, Purdue. The temple was built in the Ming Dynasty, formerly known as the Imperial City Dongyuan, also known as "Little South City", is the place where the Prince lived. At the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, it was the residence of the regent King Dorgon. The Pudu Temple building is very unique, built on a high platform, and the window is low. There was a stone statue of Dolce at the entrance. Today's Purdue Temple is no longer a royal forbidden place. It is open free of charge. The center's venue has become a large square for leisure residents. Whenever there is good weather in Beijing, there will be many nearby residents. It is very rare to see such a large open space on Nanchizi Street, which is close to the Forbidden City. If you carefully walk around the building, you can see many original architectural relics.