Now we’re heading back toward the heart of Beijing to check out a few hidden gems. They might not be on the typical Beijing must-see lists, but trust us, they’re worth the detour.”
Hong’en Taoist Temple (宏恩观 Hóng‘ēn Guān)
Just east of Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers, Hong’en Temple has been in existence for over 700 years, and it has now become a vibrant cultural hub, celebrating the city’s Beijing’s historic spine.
Why Visit?
If you’ve ended up at Hong’en Temple after walking along Beijing’s historic Central Axis, this is the perfect place to dive deeper into everything you just saw. The main exhibition gives context to the landmarks along the way, and the temple grounds also have a cozy coffee shop called Half Coffee, a Central Axis-themed post office, and a quiet reading area where you can relax and unwind.
Price:
The temple’s open 24/7 and entry is totally free, but just a heads-up, the coffee shop and other spots inside have their own opening hours.
Hong’en Temple 宏恩观 Adress:
21-23 Doufuchi Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区豆腐池胡同21, 23号
Hours: Open 24 Hours