Lama Temple Verified listing

The Lama Temple, officially known as Yonghe Temple or Yonghe Palace, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. Originally built in 1694 as the residence of a Qing dynasty prince, it was converted into a lamasery when the prince became Emperor Yongzheng. The temple is notable for its architectural blend of Chinese, Manchu, and Tibetan styles and was designated an imperial lamasery under Emperor Qianlong. Covering over 66,000 square meters, it became one of the most important Buddhist temples during the Qing era.

Visitors enter through a series of richly decorated gates and courtyards aligned along the imperial carriage path. Major highlights include the Hall of Harmony and Peace with three bronze Buddhas representing past, present, and future; the Yongyou Hall, which contains statues of the Medicine Buddha; and the Falun Hall, home to a statue of Tsongkhapa and a remarkable wooden relief of 500 Arhats. The temple’s crown jewel is the Wanfu Pavilion, where an 18-meter-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha—carved from a single sandalwood tree—stands as a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece.

The Lama Temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to around 4:30 PM in summer (closing earlier in winter), with last entry shortly before closing. Admission is 25 RMB, with free or discounted access for children and seniors. While walk-ins are possible, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance through the official WeChat channel due to visitor limits. Incense sticks are provided at the entrance, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and maintain quiet inside the temple. For those interested in religious practices, early morning chanting sessions and monthly Dharma assemblies offer a glimpse into the temple’s spiritual life, making it a peaceful and culturally rich destination in Beijing.