Page 97 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Beijing

Western Beijing ❮❮ 95

Immense reading room in the National Library of China
National Library
Temple of Heavenly
2 4
of China
Tranquility (Tianning Si)
MAP A1 • 33 Zhongguancun MAP B5 • Guanng’an Men Nanbinhe
Nandajie • 8854 5426 • Subway: Lu • Subway: Daguanying, then taxi
National Library • Open 9am–9pm This temple, built in the 5th century
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm Sat & Sun (except AD, is one of the city’s oldest. The
pub hols) • www.nlc.gov.cn striking octagonal pagoda was added
One of the five biggest libraries in the early 12th century. The bottom
in the world, the National Library of the pagoda is decorated with
of China has been expanded to carved arch patterns, symbolizing
accom modate its collection of Sumeru, the mountain of the gods.
approximately 12 million books. Above are 13 levels of eaves, with no
The building’s floating roof houses doors or windows –
the Digital Library. Most books the pagoda is with-
are reference only, but visitors out stairs inside
can request a reader’s pass. or outside
and is, in
White Cloud Temple
3 fact, solid.
MAP B4 • 6 Baiyun Guan Jie,
off Lianhuachi Dong Lu • 6346 3531 Temple of
• Subway: Nanlishi Lu • Open Heavenly
8:30am–4:30pm daily (Oct 8–Apr: Tranquility
to 4pm) • Adm
The first temple on this site was
founded in AD 739 and burnt down
in 1166. Since that time, it has been
repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. It
even survived being used as a factory
during the Cultural Revolution. The
shrines, pavilions, and courtyards
that make up the compound today
date mainly from the Ming and Qing
dynasties. Monks here are followers
of Daoism and sport distinctive top-
knots. Each Chinese New Year this
is the venue for one of the city’s
most popular temple fairs, with
performers, artisans, and traders.

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