Lilac Blossoms Viewing Escorted Tour

Departure: Daily within the flowering season Blossom Time: April 15 - May 10 You will be picked up at your hotel lobby at around 09:00am and head for the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven, literally the Altar of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing, Chongwen District. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It is regarded as a Taoist temple, although Chinese Heaven worship, especially by the reigning monarch of the day, pre-dates Taoism. The Temple of Heaven also boasts the largest tract of lilacs in the city. The area, measuring 6,300 square meter, is located west of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Jietai Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Beijing. It has the biggest Precept Altar in China, and it is believed it can grant the highest Buddha Precept blessing to Buddhists. Besides the historical relics, Jietai Temple is also known for its old pine trees, lilacs and peony. Jietai Temple boasts 1,000 lilac trees, among which 20 have an age over 200 years. Whenever the lilacs bloom, in mid and late April every year, the temple is impregnated with the fragrance of lilacs. Lunch is included. After the tour, you will be returned back to the hotel.