Visit Here: Wutasi & the Stone Carving Museum

Vincent R. Vinci, Contributing Editor | Sep 28, 2024 11:30 am | Add a comment | 141 reads

From far-flung places in our recent Take the Subway series, we move closer to the city center for a look at a few spots that we think, while they may not be on any Beijing top sights lists, are definitely worth going out of your way to visit.

Last time, we stopped by to marvel at the maps and models of the city within the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall. This weekend, we move a bit further west and then north to take a gander at the…

Five Pagoda Temple & Stone Carving Museum (五塔寺和石该艺博物馆 Wǔtǎsì hé Shígāiyì Bówùguǎn)

The Five Pagoda Temple was constructed in 1473 during the Ming dynasty using designs presented by an Indian monk to Emperor Chengzu for an Indian-style diamond throne pagoda in which five pagodas sit atop a foundation known as a “throne.”

In modern times, the temple became home to the capital’s Stone Carving Museum, which houses stelae, tombstones, and many other artifacts carved from stone.

Why Visit?

Besides it being one of the most visually interesting temples in Beijing, a visit to Wutasi makes for a great time exploring the grounds – which are ideal for photos with all the stonework about – and the interior of the structure, where statues of the Buddha and an explanation of the temple’s past can be found.

Due to all the trees that can be found around the grounds, it’s a popular spot for fall photos. We’d definitely recommend visiting then, especially just before the sun starts to set, to get some exceptional snapshots.