Visit Here: Hong'en Taoist Temple

From far-flung places in our 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.

From the history of commerce via waterways, we head into the city center to explore a different kind of path within… 

Hong’en Taoist Temple (宏恩观 Hóng‘ēn Guān)

Hong’en Temple, which sits to the east of Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers, has a history of over 700 years. It was recently transformed into a cultural center focusing on the history of the Central Axis.

Why Visit?

If you’ve ended up at Hong’en following a trek along the Central Axis, then it's perhaps the best spot to learn about everything you’ve just walked past with a history lesson. Beyond the main exhibition hall, the temple complex is also home to a relaxing coffee shop named Half Coffee, a Central Axis-themed post office, and an area with seats for reading.

The Details

Entry into the temple is free, and the complex is open 24 hours a day, but the coffee shop and other venues within the temple have different opening hours.

Hong’en Temple 宏恩观
21-23 Doufuchi Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区豆腐池胡同21, 23号
Hours: Open 24 Hours

READ: Visit Here: The Grand Canal Museum

Images: Uni You