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The Lama Temple

Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing

The Yonghe Temple, or Lama Temple, is one of the most popular religious temples in Beijing. It was once the residence of Prince Yong, then officially became a monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Wanfu Pavilion with a triple-eaved roof is the symbol of Lama Temple.

The Yonghe Temple 雍和宫, or Lama Temple, is one of the most popular religious temples in Beijing. It was once the residence of Prince Yong, the later Emperor Yongzheng of Qing Dynasty, and was converted into a palace after his enthronement. Then officially became a monastery of the Gelug School (Yellow Hat sect) of Tibetan Buddhism, with a bronze statue of Master Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Hat sect.

Manywhere Trivia:
On the first day of every Lunar New Year, the Lama Temple is always crowded with people who are ready to run for the new year’s first incense offering.

Entering the temple along the central axis through the three Pailou archways outside the main gate, there are Zhaotai Gate 昭泰门, Yonghe Gate, Yonghe Palace, Yongyou Hall, Falun Hall, Wanfu Pavilion (Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses), Suisheng Hall and other major buildings in order.

The Wanfu Pavilion with Triple-eaved Roof is the highest architecture in the temple with a 26-meter-tall wooden Maitreya Buddha inside, which is carved from a single piece of White Sandalwood and is known as one of the “Three Greatest Wood Carvings of The Lama Temple”.