Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) Tourism

Cultural Site4.5(4,211 reviews)

About Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is a renowned temple and monastery in Beijing, China, that represents an exquisite fusion of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. It was originally built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty as the residence of Prince Yongzheng, who became the Yongzheng Emperor. After his ascension to the throne, the building was converted into a lamasery, a monastery for Tibetan Buddhist monks, hence the name 'Lama Temple'. It is considered the most prestigious Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. The temple is spread over a large area with multiple courtyards and it houses impressive halls with intricate sculptures, carvings, and a notable 18-meter high statue of the Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. This temple serves as a significant center of worship and attracts devotees as well as tourists who come to admire its architecture and immerse in its spiritual ambiance.

Top 5 Reviews on Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

579jacksonruihan
5.0
Wrote on 16 Jul 2024
Enchanting architecture and a peaceful environment
Fascinating architecture, lots of previously unseen Chinese architectural compositions, heavy emphasis on breadth, and deemphasization of walls with large, beautiful roof ridges. Free incense in the entry was given, not only a tourist attraction but also a religious ceremonial function
bcheong
3.0
Wrote on 18 Nov 2023
Tibetan temple
Had an hour to spare and local colleagues brought me here. A tibetan temple with 270 years of history. Marketed well and popular with young people praying for luck and love. Right at the end you see a 26m tall buddha carved out of a single piece of wood, rather astounding. Rather crowded on a sunday morning. I assume the crowds get worse during public holidays
CLAIREDERBY1
4.0
Wrote on 12 Nov 2023
A large temple, lovely architecture of the buildings.
Quite a large place. The temple buildings were lovely. Cost 25CNY entrance. After visiting a lot of temples on our 13 stops throughout China, whilst I did enjoy having a wander through, I did think other temples I had visited were better.
Oscar_Tegni
5.0
Wrote on 2 Nov 2021
Lama Temple
Beautiful and cool place that should be on your list of places to see in Beijing. Its covers a huge area, pavilion after pavilion. Would recommend having a guide to to understand the history and architecture.
Margo7850p
5.0
Wrote on 29 Sept 2021
Beautiful Buddhist temple with high cultural and historical significance
An amazing Buddhist temple in the heart of Beijing. Beautiful temple complex was built in 1694. Formerly a prince's home, then a royal palace and finally becoming a temple in the mid-18 century. Lama Temple has beautiful grounds, amazing architecture and practicing monks. The architecture and layout of this place is really incredible, the giant sandalwood carved Buddha is particularly impressive. In this temple we can see also the bronze Buddhas of past, present, and future. Worth a visit if only to enjoy the peace and tranquility, and escape the noise of modern Beijing. One of my favorite spots in Beijing which I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone.