A formal tea ceremony at Dajue Temple.  The temple is well known for its little teahouse, which serves excellent tea and conducts traditional ceremonies like this one.  When Beijing’s weather starts getting hot, come here and sit under the magnolias at the teahouse; as long as the crowds aren’t too great, it’s like being in another world.

Completing the tea ceremony at the teahouse in Dajue Temple.  Every movement is defined and exact, right down to the placement of the hands.  If you’re lucky, as I was, you’ll be selected to receive one of the four cups of tea.

Detail of a teahouse chair.  Furniture styles throughout the buildings at Dajue Temple are very traditional.  The temple even has a guesthouse, again very traditional in style, and I’m very tempted to try it out someday, either in early spring when the magnolias are blooming or in mid autumn when the gingko leaves are at peak color.

Under the eaves of a Dajue Temple building.

Magnolia blossoms at Dajue Temple.  On my previous visit here last May, the blossoms had already fallen; I got here in early April this year.  Magnolias tend to bloom in Beijing in early April, and few days to a week earlier at sites in the western hills of Beijing like this one.

Earthenware jars of rice wine outside a restaurant at Dajue Temple.

Ceiling lights within that restaurant.

Under the eaves.

Spring buds ready to burst.

Ceiling beams and their paintings on one of the temple buildings.

A grandfather and granddaughter watch a traditional music performance at Dajue Temple.