Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Beijing's largest Tibetan Buddhist temple: built during the Kangxi era as the Prince Yong Mansion for the fourth imperial son Yinzheng (later Emperor Yongzheng), it is the birthplace of Emperor Qianlong and was converted into a lama temple in 1744 — the only site of its kind, both a "blessed land where the dragon lay hidden" princely mansion and a Buddhist temple
Visitor info
- Opening hours
- 09:00-16:30 (extended hours in peak season)
- Ticket
- CNY 25
Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.
Beijing's largest Tibetan Buddhist temple: built during the Kangxi era as the Prince Yong Mansion for the fourth imperial son Yinzheng (later Emperor Yongzheng), it is the birthplace of Emperor Qianlong and was converted into a lama temple in 1744 — the only site of its kind, both a "blessed land where the dragon lay hidden" princely mansion and a Buddhist temple. The halls unfold along a central axis: the Hall of the Wheel of Dharma (Falun Dian) enshrines a statue of Master Tsongkhapa, and in Wanfu Pavilion the great Maitreya Buddha carved from a single white sandalwood trunk stands 26 m in total (18 m above ground) — once listed in the Guinness records; the Qing dynasty "Golden Urn" lot-drawing ceremony was also held here. Incense crowds peak at the first-incense rituals of Spring Festival and on the first day of each lunar month; the incense-offering and prayer-bracelet culture has made it young people's "first religious check-in stop" — arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Getting there: Metro Lines 2/5, Yonghegong Station
Photos
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