Guests of the Tai Yue Suite Hotel rarely fail to visit the Dong Yue Temple, located only a couple of blocks from the Tai Yue. The short walk described in this article is sure to make an interesting sightseeing opportunity during your stay in Beijing.
Taiyue Suite
Taiyue Suites Walking to the temple from Tai Yue Suite Hotel is easy, and should take less than 30 minutes. To start, leave via the west door of the hotel and turn left onto SANLITUNNAN (South Sanlitun Rd). As you take a look around, you¡¯ll get an idea of a typical Beijing neighborhood. There are likely numerous older people taking a stroll or just sitting outside, as this is a favorite pastime for many older Chinese. After passing 3 streets, you should arrive at a busy intersection with CHAOYANG BEI (N. Chaoyang Avenue). Turn right.
The atmosphere certainly changes a great deal here. No longer are you peacefully strolling down a residential neighborhood, but rather walking on the side of a busy boulevard. Keep walking straight to reach an intersection with GONGRENTIYUCHANGDONG (East Worker¡¯s Stadium St.) This is a bustling commercial area with many shops in all directions. Go through the underground walkway to reach the other side. Take note that the name of the street you¡¯re on has changed to CHAOWAI. Up ahead, you can easily spot Dong Yue Temple. Skip this section if you simply want to visit the stores. Otherwise, pay the RMB 10 to enter the temple.
Dongyue Temple
Dongyue Temple Dong Yue temple is a Taoist holy site dating back over 600 years. It was established in the early Yuan Dynasty during the rule of Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan. Built to honor the God of Mountain Tai, a sacred mountain in northern china, the temple has long been an important pilgrimage destination for faithful Taoists. Today, it fits somewhat oddly with its commercial surroundings. However, this does make things convenient for tourists, who can sightsee and shop in one place. The temple opens Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entrance fee is only RMB 10 per person.
As you walk around the temple, take note of the tranquility within. It is a startling contrast to the bustling pace just outside. The spiraling incense only adds to the serenity of the temple. Notice its numerous statues, couplets, and monuments. This is a Taoist temple, not a Buddhist temple, and there are differences between the two. Be sure to visit the Folk Arts Museum at the back to complete the tour.
People who like to make a wish pray to the Tai Mountain god may burn incense, or simply kneel before him, pray deeply, and kowtow (bow their heads) to get his blessing. For good fortune, they tie a prayer tag onto the blessing wall, or circle three times around the blessed 800-year-old locust tree.
Better still, the temple houses, in its back, the Beijing Folk Art Museum, where all kinds of traditional chinese folk arts parade across on the exhibiting stalls. There are handcrafted figures of soldier, official, merchant,beggar, comedian, and holy men. There are musical intruments like fiddles, flutes, zithers, gongs, cymbals, and chinese oboe. And even kites and slingshots join the throng.
Chaowai Yueshow Fashion Market
Ready for the Beijing Olympic?!
This shopping center is situated right beside the temple. If you¡¯re hungry, MianAiMian offers fast-food noodles. The Chopstick shop nearby sells numerous beautiful dining room accessories, with an emphasis on detailed engraved chopsticks. Fans of the Olympic Games, be sure to check out the official Olympic products outlet.
Entering the mall, you can find all sorts of garments on the first and second floors, and souvenirs on the third. Shopping assistants are all experienced in dealing with foreign customers. So while this makes for easier communication, it also means they know how to set the perfect ¡°foreigner¡¯s price.¡± Getting good deals often means having to do some serious haggling. For further shopping, simply go across the street to visit the shops on the other side.
How to Return
With less than 2km far from the hotel, you may simply retrace your steps back to return. And, you could expect more funs this neighborhood can offer while strolling back. |
