Miaoying Temple
Temple Ancient Buddhist temple with distinctive white pagoda
Beijing’s Miaoying Temple houses the White Dagoba, a 13th-century Tibetan-style stupa. Tourists come for Buddhist architecture, timber halls and courtyard layouts that reflect Yuan- and later-period religious patronage.
Miaoying Temple is a Buddhist temple in Beijing best known for its prominent white stupa, commonly called the White Dagoba. The stupa dates back to the Yuan dynasty era and is the defining architectural feature of the complex.
The temple complex includes prayer halls and courtyards arranged around the stupa, and is visited for both its religious function and its historic architecture. The White Dagoba is the main focus for visitors and is a notable example of Yuan-period stupa construction.
The temple was established during the period of Mongol rule in China and has been an important Buddhist site in Beijing through successive dynasties. It has undergone repairs and restorations at different times but remains centered on its historic stupa.
Miaoying Temple is located in central Beijing and is accessible from the city’s main transport routes; it sits within the built urban area of the municipality.
- Common name: The temple is commonly called the White Dagoba Temple and is known for its large stupa visible from surrounding streets.
What to See #
- White Dagoba: A large white-painted stupa that dominates the temple complex and was originally constructed under the Yuan dynasty; it is a principal focus for visitors and photography.
How to Get to Miaoying Temple #
Located in Xicheng District, west of Beijing’s city center near Yuetan. Nearest subway: Jishuitan (Line 2) with a short taxi ride, or take bus lines that stop near Miaoyingfang Hutong.
Tips for Visiting Miaoying Temple #
- Visit early in the morning to avoid Beijing's museum crowds and to appreciate the temple's quieter moments.
- Notice the temple's Yuan-dynasty white pagoda - one of the few surviving elements from the original 1279 construction.
- Respect photography rules: some halls restrict flash or photography.
Best Time to Visit Miaoying Temple #
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit for weather and air quality; winter offers dramatic contrasts but colder conditions.
Weather & Climate near Miaoying Temple #
Miaoying Temple's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (577 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (201 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain.