Guangji Temple 广济寺

Though somewhat overshadowed by neighboring Baita Temple, Guangji boasts some serious credentials as the headquarters of the Chinese Buddhist Association. In the two beautiful tree-filled courtyards, worshippers and monks kneel side-by-side in prayer. The relatively new temple halls, rebuilt after a huge fire in 1934, are closed to the public. Although there is a guest center, this active temple is comfortably free from tourists and maintains the austerity of a place of worship. Somber does not imply silent, though, as the sound of prayer bells, chanting and even faint street noise drifts through the air. Several friendly Buddhist shops next door sell incense, books, CDs and statues.