These Historial and Cultural Sites Have Reopened to the Public
A number of places that were shut during the most recent outbreaks in Beijing have been reopened to the public from Jul 15 and into this week, including a number of temples, historic sites, scenic spots and more.
Yonghegong Lama Temple
Beijing’s most well-known Tibetan Buddhist temple reopened on Jul 19. Opening hours from now until Oct 31 are from 9am-5pm. According to an announcement from the temple, visiting periods will be split between the morning and afternoon, with 10,000 tickets available for morning visits and 15,000 for afternoon visits each day.
Tickets will be sold online only for the time being, and you can book ahead through the official Yonghegong WeChat account (find it by searching 雍和宫游客信众服务).
Prince Gong’s Mansion
Noted as the largest and best preserved princely estate from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), this spot just north of Shichahai also reopened on Jul 19. The museum is currently open at 75 percent capacity with NAT results with 72 hours validity required for entry. Tickets can be purchased via Meituan (find the 景点/门票 option and then search 恭王府).
Beijing Baiyun Temple
Located southwest of Fuxingmen in Xicheng district, this is one of Beijing’s largest Daoist temple monasteries (fun fact: it’s also got a sister temple with the same name in Shanghai) dating all the way back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Reopened as of Jul 15, the temple is open daily from 8.30am-5pm, with a clear journey card, health kit and normal temperature required to enter. Tickets can be booked in advance via the QR code below (follow the instructions in this WeChat article).
Tianning Temple
This temple, located not too far from Baiyun Temple on Niu Jie, has been dated to 608, during the Sui Dynasty. It’s best known for its pagoda, which, although rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, was all wood when it was originally constructed.
Reopened as of Jul 15, the temple’s opening hours are from 9am-4pm, and requirements for entry include clear journey card, health kit, and NAT test results taken within 72 hours.
Badaling Great Wall Night Tours
One interesting thing to come out of these reopenings are night tours of the Badaling section of the Great Wall. According to 最爱大北京, the Guancheng West section of the Badaling wall will be lit from 7.30-9.30pm on Fridays and Saturday, allowing for visitors to tour the ramparts late into the evening.
Night tours will also be open on national holidays, with the Guangchang West open from 5.30-10pm. Spots can be reserved by searching for the 长城内外旅游 official WeChat account or calling 010-61118002.
READ: Story of the 'Jing: Just How Old is the City of Beijing
Images: Uni You
