White Cloud Taoist Temple
This temple is the center of Taoist activity
in Beijing. Its origins date back to the
Tang Dynasty, when it was called Temple
of the Supreme Ultimate. It became a major
Taoist temple after a 13th century master
taught, died and was buried here. His disciples
renamed the temple White Cloud Temple and
the name has stuck. There are still Taoist
monks in the temple and they will talk to
you. The temple is also the headquarters
of the China Taoism Association.
Around finals time, students
from all over Beijing come here to offer
incense and pray for good grades. This gives
new meaning to the temple's name, as there
is a large cloud of white incense smoke
enveloping the temple grounds during this
time.
