Beijing Hongluo Temple (Southern Putuo, Northern Hongluo)

🍀 Hongluo Temple is located 3 kilometers north of Huairou District and 55 kilometers away from downtown Beijing. Facing south and built along the mountain, it is backed by Hongluo Mountain and overlooks Hongluo Lake. Surrounded by mountains and water, the area is rich in forests and ancient trees reaching to the sky. Hongluo Temple has a long history of over 1600 years and profound Buddhist cultural heritage, hence the saying 'Southern Putuo in the south, Northern Hongluo in the north'. 🍄 The legend of Hongluo Temple: It is said that two princesses of the Jade Emperor descended to earth together and were deeply attracted by a serene ancient temple in front of a beautifully scenic mountain. They developed the idea of living there. Thus, they transformed into human forms during the day, joining the monks in the temple to worship Buddha and chant scriptures. At night, they turned into a pair of red snails, hiding in the release pond in front of the temple, and they continuously used their magic to help the people solve their problems. Their arrival brought favorable weather and peace to the people, but this did not last long. When the Jade Emperor learned of their unauthorized descent, he immediately sent celestial soldiers to escort them back to heaven. The people missed the two ladies and called them 'Red Snail Maidens', praying and hoping for their return every day. They also named the mountain, spring, and temple with the word 'Hongluo'. Since then, the story of the 'Red Snail Fairies' has been passed down in this place, and the temple is known as 'Hongluo Temple'. 🌸 Attraction information: 'Three Wonders of Hongluo Temple' - Imperial Bamboo Forest, Male and Female Ginkgo Trees, and Wisteria Resting on Pines are famous both near and far. 💕 Ticket information: The ticket price for Hongluo Temple scenic area is 54 yuan per person (including Guanyin Temple). Slide ticket price: Round trip 100 yuan per person, one way: 80 yuan per person. 🕰️ Opening hours: May-September: 8:30-17:30, October-next April: 8:30-17:00 🚘 Transportation information: Bus: Take bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou Bus Station, then transfer to H57 (Huairou Bus Station-Hongluo Temple) to Hongluo Temple scenic area. Tourist direct bus: Dongzhimen Outer to Hongluo Temple tourist direct bus