The Jietai Temple is located 36km west of Beijing and only 8km from Tanzhe Temple. Jietaisi, or temple of the ordination altar, takes its name from its famous Ming marble ordination altar. Built some 1,300 years ago, this altar is nearly 5 meters (16ft) high and is decorated with delicate and exquisite carvings.
The temple was first built in 622 AD during the Tang dynasty but most of the buildings in this temple date from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911AD). Surrounding the main hall are a number of courtyards containing rock formations and old pine and cypress trees.
