Lama Temple

Introducing Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Lama Temple is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. Lama Temple is officially known as the Yonghe Palace. Originally constructed in 1694 as the residence of Prince Yongzheng, the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi, it was later converted into a lamasery in 1744.

Today, it serves as the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist sacred site in Beijing, attracting both worshippers and tourists with its stunning architecture, intricate artwork, and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore various halls housing impressive statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and other deities, including an 18-meter-high (59 ft) sandalwood statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Lama Temple (Yonghegong) Fast Facts
• AKA: Yonghe Temple, Yonghe Palace
• Chinese Name: Yōng Hé Gōng 雍和宫
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Tibetan Buddhism, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (Apr – Oct), 9:30 – 16:30 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY25
• Address: 28 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

The History of the Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
The temple’s origins trace back to 1694, the 33rd year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, when it was constructed as a residence bestowed upon his fourth son, Yinzhen, the future Yongzheng Emperor. This initial structure, known as the Yonghe Residence, marked the beginning of the site’s illustrious journey.

In 1725, upon ascending the throne, Yongzheng elevated the residence to the status of an imperial palace, christening it the Yonghe Palace. This transformation signified its growing importance within the imperial sphere. Upon Yongzheng’s demise in 1735, his coffin was placed within the palace walls, a solemn event that prompted a symbolic shift. The verdant roof tiles of the main halls were replaced with the resplendent yellow glaze reserved for imperial structures, visually underscoring the palace’s elevated significance. Further enhancing its prestige was the fact that the Qianlong Emperor, Yongzheng’s successor, had been born within its very walls. Having housed two emperors, Yonghe Palace became revered as an auspicious site, its privileged status reflected in its architectural grandeur. The vibrant yellow glazed tiles and imposing red walls echoed the imperial aesthetic of the Forbidden City, a testament to its close ties to the ruling dynasty.

The palace’s final metamorphosis occurred in 1744, during the ninth year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign. It was then that Yonghe Palace was consecrated as a lamasery, the Yonghe Temple, destined to become the paramount center for Tibetan Buddhist administration throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). From the mid-to-late Qing period, the Yonghe Temple held the unparalleled distinction of being the most venerated Buddhist temple in all of China, a position that solidified its place as a pivotal institution within the religious and political landscape of the era.

What to Expect at Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
The Lama Temple offers a tranquil escape. Incense fills the air as sunlight dapples the courtyards, illuminating the intricate details of vibrant Tibetan Buddhist art. Golden roofs gleam against the azure sky, and the low murmur of chanting monks blends with the hushed prayers of worshippers. A sense of peace pervades the sacred space, inviting contemplation and offering a respite from the bustling city beyond. It is a place where the spiritual and the aesthetic intertwine, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Yonghe Gate Hall (The Hall of Heavenly Kings)
The first hall encountered after entering through the Yonghe Gate of the Lama Temple is the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. Inside, a statue of Budai, the Laughing Buddha, often considered an embodiment of the future Buddha Maitreya, sits in the center. He is flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings: Dhṛtarāṣṭra (East, 东方持国天王) holding a pipa, symbolizing harmony and ensuring prosperity; Virūḍhaka (South, 南方增长天王) holding a sword, cutting through delusion and promoting virtue; Virūpākṣa (West, 西方广目天王) holding a snake (or dragon), symbolizing watchfulness and protection; and Vaiśravaṇa (North, 北方多闻天王) holding a parasol and sometimes a mongoose or stupa, symbolizing protection from suffering and representing generosity and wealth. At the back of the hall, facing north, stands the powerful Bodhisattva Skanda (Weituo), protector of the Dharma (the Buddhist teachings).

The Exoteric Hall (The Lecture Hall)
The Lecture Hall, solemn and reverent, serves as the place where monks study the exoteric teachings (显宗 – openly shared Buddhist doctrines) of Buddhism. In the center of the hall, a statue of Je Tsongkhapa (宗喀巴大师), the founder of the Gelug school (格鲁派), sits serenely upon a lotus throne, embodying the wisdom and compassion of the lineage. Flanking the statue of Je Tsongkhapa are statues of Manjushri (文殊菩萨), the bodhisattva of wisdom, Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara (四臂观音), the bodhisattva of compassion, and Amitabha Buddha (阿弥陀佛), the Buddha of Infinite Life, representing wisdom, compassion, and longevity, respectively.

To the north of Je Tsongkhapa’s statue stands the statue of Ushnisha Sitatapatra (白伞盖佛母), the deity of the white parasol, symbolizing protection and refuge, shielding practitioners from negative influences and obstacles. To the south, a statue of Green Tara (绿度母) embodies swift salvation and compassion, rescuing beings from suffering with her immediate blessings.

The Esoteric Hall
The Esoteric Dharma Hall serves as a place for monks to engage in Vajrayana Buddhist practices. At the center of the hall stands a statue of Je Tsongkhapa, his image emanates compassion and dignity as he looks out over all beings. To the south of Tsongkhapa’s statue stands an image of Khädrub Rinpoche (喜饶僧格), one of Tsongkhapa’s esteemed teachers, renowned for his profound mastery of esoteric practices. Furthermore, the hall houses statues of various Dharma protectors, including Gong’ar, Yongbao, and the Goat-Riding Protector, as well as a statue of Yamantaka (大威德金刚), the principal deity of the Gelug school. These figures safeguard practitioners, subdue negative forces and obstacles, and together protect this sacred sanctuary of esoteric Buddhism.

The Kalachakra Hall
The Kalachakra Hall serves as a center for monastic study of astronomy and calendrical systems. At its heart stands an intricate three-dimensional mandala of Kalachakra, a symbolic representation of the cosmos used to aid monks in their understanding of the cycles of time and the universe, integrating this knowledge into their Buddhist practice.

Yonghe Gong Hall (The Hall of the Mahavira)
The Hall of the Mahavira houses a majestic ensemble of statues representing the three ages of Buddha, each with the height of 2 meters (6.56 ft): past, present, and future. At the center sits Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛), the Buddha of the present age. To his west is Dipankara Buddha (燃灯佛), the Buddha of the past, while to the east resides Maitreya Buddha (弥勒佛), the Buddha of the future. These three figures embody the Buddhist concepts of the passage of time and the cycle of rebirth. Lining the sides of the hall are vibrant statues of the Eighteen Arhats (perfected disciples, 十八罗汉), each with unique expressions and postures, contributing to the sacred and solemn atmosphere. Together, these elements create the rich artistic and religious tapestry of the Yonghe Palace’s main hall.

Yongyou Hall
The Yongyou Hall (Hall of Eternal Blessing), initially the private residence of Prince Yong (the future Yongzheng Emperor), was transformed into a Buddhist hall after his death in 1735. Within the hall, three 2.35-meter-tall (7.71 ft) statues are enshrined. Centrally positioned is Amitābha Buddha (阿弥陀佛), the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. To the west stands the Medicine Buddha (药师佛), embodying healing and well-being, while on the east side resides the Lion’s Roar Buddha (狮子吼佛, typically representing Sakyamuni Buddha teaching the dharma), symbolizing the dharma’s power to overcome evil.

The Falun Hall – The Dharma Wheel Hall
The Dharma Wheel Hall, the main venue for significant Buddhist ceremonies and rituals at the Lama Temple, is a compelling example of traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture. Five gilded finials crown its skylights, illuminating the hall and its centerpiece: a massive lotus throne supporting a towering 6.1-meter (20 ft) bronze statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school. This impressive statue, a testament to artistry and devotion, was cast in 1924, a process that required two years of dedicated work.

Behind the Tsongkhapa statue rises the magnificent Mountain of Five Hundred Arhats. Carved entirely from sandalwood, this masterpiece, nearly 5 meters (16.4 ft) high and 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) wide at its base, is recognized as one of the Lama Temple’s most intricate wood carvings. Adding to the hall’s spiritual richness are the sacred scriptures housed within. On the west side are enshrined 108 volumes of the Kangyur (甘珠尔经), representing the Buddha’s spoken word. Opposite, on the east side, reside 207 volumes of the Tengyur (续臧经), commentaries on the Kangyur. These texts are central to Tibetan Buddhist scholarship and practice.

The Wanfu Hall
In the heart of the Wanfu Hall (Hall of Universal Happiness) stands a magnificent 18-meter-tall (59 ft) statue of Maitreya Buddha. Carved from a single, immense white sandalwood log measuring 26 meters (85 ft) in length, this awe-inspiring figure is a true marvel. The visible 18 meters above ground depict the benevolent and smiling Buddha, while the remaining 8 meters (26 ft) form a hidden foundation beneath the floor, ensuring the statue’s stability. This Maitreya Buddha is not only the centerpiece of the Wanfu Hall but also holds the distinction of being the largest sandalwood statue in China. A masterpiece of woodcarving, it draws countless worshippers and visitors alike to admire its grandeur.

How to Get to Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
• By Subway: Take subway line 2, 5 to Yonghegong Station.

Additional Travel Advice on Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
• It is not allowed to take photos in any of the halls.
• The Temple offers charged interpretation service.