Yonghe Lama Temple – Key Highlights, Cultural Primer, & Why I Keep Returning

The Lama Temple is the largest Buddhist temple of the Gelugpa (Huangjiao) in Tibetan Buddhism. It was once the residence of the Qing Emperor (the Emperor Yongzheng) and the birthplace of the Emperor Qianlong. Later, it was changed to the temple. There are many precious ancient buildings and cultural relics in the temple, which make it one of Beijing’s must-visit destinations.

 

Cultural Primer

Han-Tibet fusion

One of the characteristics of the Lama Temple as a temple is that it is a fusion of Han Chuan and Tibetan Buddhism. When you visit the Lama Temple, you can see the Han Buddhism’s big belly Maitreya in the Temple of Heavenly King, and in the Falun Hall. Also, you can see the bronze statue of the Tsongkhapa, master of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition, the four kings in the Temple of Heaven and the arrangement of the “Three Buddhas” in the Hall of the Lama Temple are also different from those in the Han Temple.

Precious cultural relics

The Lama Temple also houses treasures from the local government of the Qing Dynasty dedicated to the royal family and the temple (you can see some of the collections in the two cultural relics exhibition halls of Panchen Building and Jietai Building). There are many Buddha statues, Thangka and a large number of precious cultural relics in the temples. Among them, five hundred Arhats carved by rosewood, the big Buddha of Jinsangmu and the white sandalwood of 18 meters high are the three masters of the wood carving craft of the Lama Temple. The Buddha in Wanfu Pavilion is the most famous, 18 meters above the ground, buried 8 meters underground, and carved from white sandalwood. The tree is native to Nepal and was purchased by the Seventh Dalai Lama and later dedicated to the Emperor Qianlong.

Why are these artifacts so special?

1. Uniqueness: The sandalwood Buddha and the nanmu shrine are unique pieces worldwide; their scale and craftsmanship cannot be replicated.

2. Royal Lineage: The vast majority of these artifacts were specially made by the Qing Dynasty Imperial Workshops or created by members of the royal family, representing the highest level of craftsmanship in China at that time.

3. A Testimony of National Unity: Whether it’s the sandalwood donated by the Seventh Dalai Lama or the pilgrimage of the Sixth Panchen Lama, these artifacts are presented as tangible evidence of the close ties between the Qing Dynasty central government and Tibet, Mongolia, and other regions.

 

 

Tour Route and Key Highlights not to be Missed

The main building complex of the Lama Temple consists of the archway, Zhaotaimen (Shanmen), Tianwang Hall, Lama Temple Grand Palace, Yongyou Temple, Falun Hall, Wanfu Pavilion, Panchen Building and Jietai Building. Four school halls and other buildings. The paths in the scenic area are not complicated, and it is easy to find the temples. My suggestion is to go south to north along the central axis (Yonghe Gate → Yonghe Temple → Yongyou Hall → Falun Hall → Wanfu Pavilion).

Key Highlights

Wanfu Pavilion and the White Sandalwood Maitreya Buddha: The “treasure of the temple.” Carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, the Buddha is 18 meters high above ground, with an additional 8 meters extending underground, a feat listed in the Guinness World Records. Seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring. Emperor Qianlong (1711 – 1799 AD) commissioned the highest-ranking monk, a living Buddha, to oversee the design. A temporary shelter was first built to protect the site during carving, and only later was the magnificent Wanfu Pavilion constructed to cover it.

Dharma Wheel Hall and the Five Hundred Arhats Mountain: A typical example of Han-Tibetan architectural fusion. The hall houses a bronze statue of Master Tsongkhapa, and behind it, the sandalwood carving of the “Five Hundred Arhats Mountain,” is one of the “Three Wonders of Yonghe Temple Wood Carving,” showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The “Five Hundred Arhats Mountain” is carved from precious purple sandalwood and is exquisitely detailed. The five hundred Arhats are cast from the five metals of gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin, each with a different posture, including sitting, reclining, discussing scriptures, or subduing tigers. It also belongs to the Qianlong era.

The Buddha-Reflecting Pavilion and the Nanmu (Phoebe zhennan) Shrine: The shrine extends from the ground to the roof, reaching a height of over ten meters. It is entirely carved with 99 lifelike dragons amidst clouds using openwork techniques, and is also one of the “Three Wonders of Wood Carving.” It is entirely carved using the openwork carving technique, featuring ninety-nine lifelike three-dimensional golden dragons, surging amidst clouds, representing the pinnacle of Qing Dynasty imperial sandalwood craftsmanship.

The Bronze Mount Sumeru: Located in the courtyard in front of the Yonghe Palace. This is a Ming Dynasty bronze artifact (1.5 meters tall), a three-dimensional model of the Buddhist world’s centre. The mountainside depicts the four continents, and the top features the mandala of Indra’s abode, surrounded by ancient star charts.

Buddhist Activities

More than just a tourist attraction, the Lama Temple is an active monastery and sacred place for Buddhists. It’s also a place of major ritual activity every year on the first, fifteenth, and thirteenth mornings of the lunar calendar. During the period, the number of tourists and believers will increase a lot. For detailed Buddhist activities, please visit the official website: http://www.yonghegong.cn.

Ticket Information

Regular Visitors: 25 RMB/person

Free Incense: After entering the park, you can receive free eco-friendly incense. No need to purchase it outside the palace.

Reservation Recommendation: The scenic area currently operates on a reservation system. It is recommended to make reservations in advance through the official WeChat account “雍和宫游客信众服务” to avoid running out of tickets on-site. For foreign visitors, generally, outside of weekends and special events, you should be fine getting a ticket at the entrance especially if you go early. Be sure to take your passport.

Recommended Visit Time and Opening Hours

Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours is sufficient to leisurely explore the main halls along the central axis and carefully observe the artifacts.

Opening Hours

• Summer and Autumn (April 1st – October 31st): 09:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:30).
• Winter and Spring (November 1st – March 31st of the following year): 09:00 – 16:30 (last entry at 16:00).

Attractions Nearby

Yonghe Temple is located in the old city, and there are many attractions within walking distance nearby:

Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum: Just one street west of Yonghe Temple, it was the highest institution of learning and a place for worshipping Confucius during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Rich in cultural atmosphere, it’s a great place to visit both.

Wudaoying Hutong: Located just across from Guozijian Street. Quieter and more artistic than Nanluoguxiang, it has many unique cafes, restaurants, and designer boutiques, perfect for taking photos and strolling around.

Ditan Park: Located not far north of Yonghe Temple, if you happen to visit in autumn (late October-November), the ginkgo avenue in Ditan Park is a famous autumn scene in Beijing.

Food Recommendations: There are many dining options nearby. You can try the Western or casual dining in Wudaoying Hutong, or take a taxi/walk to Guijie (Dongzhimen Inner Street), a famous restaurant street in Beijing, especially known for its spicy crayfish.

Getting There

Public transportation is highly recommended, as the area around Yonghe Temple has complex road conditions and very limited parking.

Subway (Highly Recommended): Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Yonghe Temple Station. Exit from Exit C (Southeast Exit) or Exit F. It’s about a 2-3 minute walk to the south gate of Yonghe Temple.

Bus: Take bus routes 13, 84, 116, or 117 to “Yonghe Temple Station”. You can also take bus routes 44 or Special Line 2 to “Yonghe Temple Bridge East” station.

Special Notes

1. Every year on the New Year’s Day, there are many tourists who come to burn the incense. At this time, the Lama Temple is crowded. It is recommended to avoid going to play at this time. 2. It is forbidden to take photos in the temples of the Lama Temple. 3. Dress Etiquette: Do not wear short skirts, shorts, or flip-flops.

Worth Revisiting?

100% yes, I highly recommend visiting the temple again if you are making a return trip to Beijing. Even if you spend 2-3 hours as I suggest above, on every subsequent visit, it mysteriously seems to reveal more and more. Moreover, for me, being of the Buddhist faith, it’s a must, and even if you are not, it’s a welcome peaceful escape from the surrounding city.

Location Map

Grand Mercure Beijing Dongcheng

Bei Jing Dong Fang Mei Jue Jiu Dian, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100007

12 Yonghegong St, Dongcheng Qu, China, 100007