Lama Temple

Yonghegong, popularly known as the “Lama Temple’, is a famous lamasery in the northeastern part of Beijing. The Lama Temple is the largest lamasery and one of the best preserved lama temples at the present time in Beijing with the total area of 66400 square meters, 480 meters long from north to south and 120 meters wide from east to west. In 1961, it was listed as one of China’s major national treasures under state protection.

Originally, Yonghegong was a palatial residence of the Prince Yinzhen, the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It was built in 1694 after Prince Yinzhen was given the title “Yong Prince” and the palace was named “Palace Mansion of Yong Prince”. After Yong Prince succeeded the throne in 1723, he moved to the Forbidden City and became the Emperor Yongzheng. In 1725, he turned half of his former residence into a temple for the monks of the Yellow Sect and the other half became a temporary place where he came for his personal use. Thus, his residence started to be called Yonghegong( The Lama Temple).

Design of Lama Temple
The dimensions of the temple are magnificent, which have five courtyards in a row. The front structural layout in the temple is bright and spacious dotted with screen walls . The interior pavement leading to the main halls and the evergreen pine and cypress appear to be rather peaceful and secluded in the environment. The back structural layout is composed of a cluster of building, halls and pavilions intermingled with each other, and upturned eaves and ridges beautifully interwoven presenting a picturesque sight.

Main Buildings in Lama Temple
Hall of the Heavenly Kings,  Hall of Harmomy and Peace, Hall of Eternal Blessing, Hall of Dharma Wheel and Hall of Boundless Happiness are the main structures. The Hall of Dharma Wheel is extremely imposing; the overall arrangement of its plane diagram forms a cross sign and there are five petty garrets on the ceiling decorated with small lama pagodas, which are characterized by the style of lamaism. The Hall of Boundless Happiness is the biggest building in the Lama Temple flanked by the Hall of Everlasting Health and the Hall of Peace. They are connected by a corridor of the Suspension Hall, which formed a cluster of majestic dignified buildings. In the Hall of the Boundless Happiness, stands a famous huge statue of Buddha, 26 meters high carved out of a whole piece of sandalwood; it is the biggest wood-carving Buddha in the world.

If you are interested in Lama Temple, here recommend 2 popular tour routes for you:
Beijing Hutong, Lama Temple, Panda House, Olympic Stadium Day Tour by Bus for $30
Hutong Private Day Tour + Lama Temple + Panda House + Olympic Stadium from $54