Bohemian Beijing

Two monk work on the oil lamp inside the Baiyun Guan or White Cloud Taoist Temple in Beijing, China, Friday, July 27, 2007. If you tire of Olympic fever and can't stomach sites jammed with flag waving throngs of tourists, don't despair. Beijing has rich offerings when it comes to art, music, groovy boutiques and quiet temples. Baiyun Guan or White Cloud Taoist Temple, has dynastic charm without the tourist crush and is a wonderful place to while away the afternoon. Staffed by practicing Taoist monks and also the headquarters of the Chinese Taoist Association, you can often stumble on ceremonies at this 800-year-old temple.