Lama Temple - the largest Tibetan Temple in Beijing
Last Update: 8th October 2020
What is the Lama Temple?
Located in the northeast of Beijing, Lama Temple was originally built in 1694. It is the former residence for Yongzheng Emperor (1678 – 1735) and was transformed into a temple in 1744. The architectural style is one-of-a-kind, integrating the architectural art of Han, Man, Mongolia and other nationalities.
Lama Temple Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Yonghegong (雍和宫)
- Area: 6.6 x hectares
- Things to do there: Photography, Tibetan Buddhism, Architecture
- Who visits: Photographers, Tibetan Buddhists, Architecture Learners
- Time required: 2 – 3 x Hours
Interested in visiting the Lama Temple during a Beijing Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Lama Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at the Lama Temple
The Lama temple is divided into east, middle and west sections. Buildings in the middle section include Zhaotai Gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings (formerly the gate of Yonghe Palace), Lama Temple Hall, Yongyou Temple, Falun Hall, Wanfu Pavilion, etc. The roofs are decorated with yellow glazed tiles.
Formerly as Yin’an Hall, Lama Temple Hall are surrounded by yellow, green, red glazed brick walls. Three statues of Buddha with the statues of eighteen arhats are worshiped in the hall. Yongyou Hall was the former bedroom for Yongzheng Emperor. The Falun Hall is a place where rituals are held, and its floor plane is in the shape of a cross.
The bronze seating statue of the founder of Gelugpa is worshiped in the hall. It is 6.1 meters tall. The white sandalwood statue of Maitreya Buddha is worshiped in Wanfu Pavilion. It is 26 meters tall and 8 meters wide. Among the height of 26 meters, the height of 8 meters is under the ground.
On the morning of the lunar 1st, 10th, 15th and 30th, dharma assembly is regularly held. There can be plenty of visitors and believers in the temple. Countless Buddhist scriptures are well-preserved there.
Best time to visit the Lama Temple
If you are interested to experience the dharma assembly and its activities, you can visit the temple on the morning of the lunar 1st, 10th, 15th and 30th. However, on those days, there will be many people in the temple.
How to get to the Lama Temple
There are several buses passing by Lama Temple. Therefore, there are several options.
- Rent a vehicle to Lama Temple. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 13, 684, 116, 117, 18, 62, 606, 909, 44, 800 and Bus 858 to the Stop of Lama Temple (雍和宫站), the Stop of Guozijian (国子监站) or the Stop of Lama Temple Bridge East (雍和宫桥东站).
- Take Metro Line 2 and Line 5 to the Stop of Lama Temple (雍和宫站).
Additional Lama Temple Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:00 (November 1 – March 31); 09:00 – 16:30 (April 1 – October 31)
- As at 8th October 2020 the entrance pricing is 25 CNY per person; Children under 1.2m (1.2m included) are free of charge; the elder above 60 years old (60 years old included) are charged 12.5 CNY per person. For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- It is not allowed to take photos in any of the halls.
- There can be more people on every lunar 1st, and 15th.
- There are relatively fewer visitors from 15:00pm
Interested in visiting the Lama Temple on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Lama Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.