Today, we recommend several distinctive Zen meditation centers in Beijing. They feature tranquil environments and diverse courses, suitable for Zen enthusiasts with different needs.
Fangshan District – Xiude Valley
Xiude Valley, whose name derives from “cultivating oneself through tranquility, nourishing virtue through frugality, and embracing humility like a valley.” Located within a 2,000-acre national geopark, it integrates an academy, farm, and homestay. After upgrades in July 2025, it offers rich traditional cultural experiences such as tea ceremony and incense art. This place is ideal for those who wish to experience Zen while enjoying modern living standards.
Huairou District – Chaoyang Temple Zen Center
Chaoyang Temple is nestled against the Hongluo Huiyuan Valley ecological area, offering a serene environment with convenient transportation. Its specialty is short-term silent retreats, with daily guidance from professional masters in walking meditation and seated meditation.
Near Qianmen – Beijing Zen Hall
Beijing Zen Hall is an ancient building located within the protected courtyard of Qianmen, at the heart of Beijing’s Forbidden City. It primarily serves as a Buddhist Zen meditation practice venue. In June 2025, it updated its Samatha-Vipassanā meditation courses, focusing on traditional methods to provide urban residents with guidance in Zen meditation and seated practice.
Mentougou District – Yungu Temple Zen Retreat
Yungu Temple is one of the birthplaces of Chinese Zen Buddhism, preserving the living environment of ancient monks. It offers immersive traditional Buddhist cultural experiences, including seated meditation, walking meditation, and breathing meditation, with guidance from professional instructors. Visitors can personally experience the practice environment of ancient monks and feel the charm of traditional Buddhist culture.
Chaoyang District – Ciyun Temple Zen Hall
Ciyun Temple Zen Hall in Chaoyang District is a free Zen meditation venue offering activities such as seated meditation, sutra chanting, and Buddha recitation. The temple features a tranquil environment with facilities including a meditation room, vegetarian dining hall, and library.
Miyun County – Faxing Temple
Holds monthly Zen activities, including sound healing, Zen sitting, and Zen tea ceremonies, which are very popular.
Miyun County – Dayunfeng Zen Temple
Located in the Yunlongjian Natural Scenic Area of Miyun, it offers weekend Zen retreats, including accommodation and light vegetarian meals.
We hope this information helps you find a suitable Zen meditation center.
