Yonghe Temple (雍和宫)

Yonghe Temple, commonly known as the Lama Temple, is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, this temple is a beautiful blend of Han Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles and serves as a key cultural and religious site.

Highlights of Yonghe Temple

Originally established as an imperial residence before being converted into a lamasery in 1744, the temple features five main halls and several courtyards adorned with intricate carvings and ornate statues. Notable among its treasures is a massive statue of the Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.

Activities: Visitors can explore the temple's various halls, each dedicated to different deities and aspects of Buddhist teachings. The temple is active, with monks and devotees performing rituals and prayers, providing a serene atmosphere that offers insight into Buddhist practices.

Transportation: Yonghe Temple is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest subway station is Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Station on Lines 2 and 5 of the Beijing Subway.

Cost: The entrance fee for Yonghe Temple is about 25 RMB, making it a very affordable cultural experience.

Visitor Facilities

The temple offers various facilities to enhance the visitor experience, including guided tours (available in multiple languages upon request), a temple shop selling religious artifacts and souvenirs, and vegetarian dining options reflecting Buddhist dietary principles.