Five Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si) 五塔寺

Not so long ago, Wuta Si was surrounded by the fields of Beijing’s northwestern suburbs, and until the early 20th century, families would go there to picnic and enjoy the views. Today it’s surrounded by tall buildings and the views have disappeared, but this under-appreciated Tibetan temple is still worth a visit.
The first thing you’ll notice about Wuta Si is its five namesake towers, the trademark of the “diamond throne style” of temple design. China has only six examples of this style (three are in Beijing), which places five pagodas on top of one large square foundation (the “throne”). The temple dates to 1473, but the only original feature you’ll be able to see is the foundation – Wuta Si was renovated under Emperor Qianlong and looted during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. That orange tint you’ll notice on the pagodas comes from iron oxidization of the exterior white marble.
When you get up close to the towers themselves, you’ll see that they’re covered with some of the best relief carving in Beijing – take special notice of the carving of the Buddha’s feet under the central pagoda. The temple also houses the Beijing Stone Carving Museum, with some particularly interesting tombstones of Jesuit missionaries. The altar is less special – it’s been turned into a bomb shelter.
When you’ve had your fill of stone carvings, enjoy the temple grounds. With ancient trees, more exhibition halls and even a teahouse, you’ll find a relaxing atmosphere that’s missing from many of Beijing’s more crowded destinations.