Fayuan Temple

法源寺

A Tang-era temple from 645, lilacs in spring

Address

7 Fayuansi Qianjie, Xicheng

Founded in 645, it is among the oldest temples in Beijing and still home to practising monks, so incense and chanting drift through the courtyards. In mid-April over 1,100 lilacs bloom at once and turn the yards purple and white. The Niujie Muslim quarter is next door, so temple and lamb snacks make an easy day.