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Beijing Lama Temple
Yonghe Temple (Yonghe Gong), also known as the Lama Temple, is one of the most famous and well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing. Located in the Dongcheng District, this historic temple combines magnificent imperial architecture, Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most popular religious and cultural attractions in Beijing.
Originally built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Yonghe Temple was first the residence of Prince Yin Zhen, the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi. In 1723, after Prince Yin Zhen became Emperor Yongzheng and moved to the Forbidden City, the former residence was converted into an imperial palace and later transformed into a Buddhist temple.
In 1744, Yonghe Temple officially became a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, housing monks from Tibet and Inner Mongolia. It became an important center for Tibetan Buddhism in northern China.
History of Yonghe Temple
After the temple was converted into a lamasery, it played an important role in the administration and development of Tibetan Buddhism. It was involved in religious affairs, including the traditional selection process of Mongolian Living Buddhas through the Golden Urn system.
Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Yonghe Temple was declared a national cultural monument and remained closed for many years. Remarkably, it survived the Cultural Revolution with little damage compared with many other historical sites.
After restoration, Yonghe Temple reopened to visitors and continues to function as an active Tibetan Buddhist temple. Today, it is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important place for Buddhist worship, attracting both religious followers and visitors interested in Chinese culture.
Explore the Architecture of Yonghe Temple
Yonghe Temple is famous for its elegant Qing Dynasty architecture, featuring a series of courtyards and halls arranged along a central axis. The complex consists of five main halls, each larger and more impressive than the previous one.
The buildings are decorated with traditional Chinese architectural elements, including:
* Yellow glazed tile roofs symbolizing imperial status
* Beautiful wooden carvings
* Traditional Buddhist statues
* Ornate incense burners
* Colorful murals
The entrance gate, known as Yonghe Gate, was built in 1696 and features statues of heavenly guardians protecting the temple.
Main Halls of Yonghe Temple
Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghe Dian)
The first major hall contains statues of Buddhist figures and provides visitors with an introduction to Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The hall is also a popular place for worshippers to burn incense and pray for blessings.
Hall of the Wheel of Law (Falun Dian)
One of the most important buildings in Yonghe Temple, Falun Dian is dedicated to Buddhist teachings and ceremonies.
Inside the hall is a large bronze statue and artwork depicting Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the founder of the Gelug School (Yellow Hat Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism. The hall also contains traditional Buddhist thrones historically associated with important Tibetan Buddhist teachers.
Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses (Wanfu Ge)
The final and largest hall of Yonghe Temple houses its most famous treasure — a huge statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha.
The statue is:
* About 18 meters high above ground
* Carved from a single piece of Tibetan white sandalwood
* A gift from the Seventh Dalai Lama to Emperor Qianlong
It took three years to transport the enormous sandalwood piece from Tibet to Beijing, making it one of the most remarkable Buddhist sculptures in China.
Religious and Cultural Experience
Unlike many historical temples that have become purely tourist attractions, Yonghe Temple remains an active Buddhist site. Visitors can often see monks conducting religious ceremonies and worshippers offering incense.
The temple provides a unique opportunity to experience:
* Tibetan Buddhist rituals
* Traditional Chinese temple architecture
* Buddhist art and sculpture
* Qing Dynasty imperial culture
The peaceful atmosphere, beautiful halls, and rich history make Yonghe Temple one of the best places in Beijing to understand the connection between religion, art, and imperial history.
Travel Tips for Yonghe Temple
* Recommended duration: 1–2 hours
* Best for: Culture lovers, history enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers interested in Buddhism
* Best time to visit: Morning, when the temple atmosphere is more peaceful
* Highlights: Tibetan Buddhist architecture, Maitreya Buddha statue, incense rituals, historical halls
* Nearby attractions: Confucius Temple, Imperial College, Guijie Food Street
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