Lama Temple

Overview

The Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple) is Beijing's most spectacular Tibetan Buddhist temple, renowned for its towering sandalwood Buddha and vibrant religious atmosphere. It is one of the few active Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet and draws both worshippers and tourists.

Highlights

• Maitreya Buddha: A magnificent 18-meter sandalwood statue of the future Buddha carved from a single white sandalwood trunk, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
• Wanfu Pavilion: The dramatic three-story hall housing the giant Buddha, its timber framework an engineering marvel of Qing craftsmanship.
• Active Worship: Unlike many Beijing temples, Yonghe remains a functioning monastery where Tibetan and Mongolian monks chant daily sutras amid swirling incense.

History

Built in 1694 as a residence for a prince who became Emperor Yongzheng, it was converted to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in 1744 by his son Emperor Qianlong. It survived the Cultural Revolution largely intact due to Premier Zhou Enlai's personal intervention.

Visitor Tips

• Incense: Free incense is provided at the entrance — no need to buy from vendors outside.
• Combine: Pair with the adjacent Confucius Temple and Guozijian (Imperial Academy) for a full morning.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.