Hongluo Temple: A millennium-old Zen sanctuary in Beijing

Founded in 338 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Beijing's Hongluo Temple was originally named the Daming Temple. It was later renamed Huguo Zifu Chan Temple during the Ming Dynasty. It is commonly known as Hongluo Temple, or "Red Snail Temple," a name derived from the folk legend of the Red Snail Fairy.

As one of the birthplaces of Buddhism in northern China, and one of the region's largest Buddhist complexes, the temple once served as a key site for the Pure Land Sect. Boasting numerous eminent monks throughout its history, the temple has held a prestigious position in the Buddhist community for over a millennium.

Home to a wealth of precious cultural relics – including Ming Dynasty ancient bells and Qing Dynasty stone inscriptions – its meticulously arranged architecture embodies the classic style of Han-style Buddhist temples.