Fantastical Dongyue Si Temple is the residence of the divine ruler of supernatural China, the God of Mount Taishan. Befitting this celestial throne hall, Dongyue Si is also host to the 76 departments and 18 layers of hell where young and old, rich and poor are judged on their deeds. Do you love to gossip? Do you fudge your tax return? Do you covet your neighbor's Mercedes Benz? Here you will see lurid life-size depictions of the colorful punishments awaiting all who indulge their passions and cravings. There is also a lovely museum on the premises as well as a courtyard full of carved imperial stone tablets.

Baiyun Guan, the White Cloud Temple was established in the mid-15th century by Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty. It is home to the 3-eyed Taoist protector deity, a do-gooder who maintains kindness on Earth and banishes evil with his whip. Here, sandlewood-scented inner sanctums are tended by monks and incense-bearing worshippers make the rounds of dozens of pavilions dedicated to a pantheon of compassionate celestials.

Fayuan Si, the Source of Law Temple is a Buddhist educational compound bustling with young monks who are apparently ignoring its overgrown gardens. This living temple conveys both the years of official religious suppression and the recent relaxation of attitudes towards traditional Chinese beliefs. While not a picture-postcard attraction, poking around this temple offers insight into contemporary Beijing life.

Nearby the Lama Temple is the Kong Miao, China's second largest Confucian temple, built by the grandson of Kublai Khan in the early 14th century.

Guangji Si, the Universal Rescue Temple, is the headquarters of the Chinese Buddhist association and houses some excellent Buddhist sculptures.