Three day tomb-sweeping escapes

The Tomb Sweeping Festival is not only an occasion to commemorate death, but a happy break for those who remain alive. Apart from the obligatory visitation of the burial grounds of deceased family and friends, having a good plan for the break is also necessary. Lifestyle has advice for those who need a simple, short-term escape from the city.

Hongluo Temple 

The Red Shells Temple, or Hongluo Temple received its name from a legend that two spiral shells gave out red light in the evening. Located at the foot of the Hongluo Mountain, the temple is seven kilometers northwest of Huairou County.

If you want to find a place to relax and have no intention of exhausting yourself with physical exercise, during your vacation, you may wish to consider Hongluo Temple. Located in Huairou district, 55 miles from Beijing, the temple grounds occupy around 800 hectares, making it the biggest Buddhist forest in northern China. The temple was originally built by a monk named Fo Tudeng in 338 AD, the first acknowledged teacher of Buddhism in China.

Now the temple has become one of the most popular national scenic spots; visitors include the emperor Kang Xi, who stopped by during his travels in 1694. The temple is also an ideal Qingming escape because here one can burn joss sticks at the altar in tribute to the deceased. Within the temple, visitors can appreciate the soothing atmosphere of birds singing, streams flowing and flower blossoming; don't forget to pause and appreciate the wisteria growing here has blossomed every year, for 800 years, in April. For more flowers, step out to Hongluo Mountain to the north, where lilacs, roses and peonies flourish.

Address: No. 2 Hongluo East Road, Huairou District 怀柔区红螺东路2号
Tel: 6068-1175
Opening hours: Daily (7:00 – 18:00)
Directions: By tourist bus 6 or 16 from Xuanwumen, or go by 916 bus leaving from Dongzhimen bus stop; Take bus No. 936 from Dongzhimen station to Hong Luo temple.
Admission Ticket: 30 yuan (adult), 15 yuan (kids under 1.2 meters)

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Chrysanthemum Feast in the Hongluo Temple

The annual Chrysanthemum Fair has kicked off in the Hongluo Temple which rests at the foot of the Hongluo Mountain in Huairou District, northern Beijing. Full story >>