Introduction
Lama Temple(aka Yonghe Gong 雍和宫), the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, is also one of China’s four major royal temples. It stretches 400 meters from north to south and is divided into three sections: East, Central, and West. The layout consists of five courtyards, with over a thousand halls.
In 1694, Emperor Kangxi(康熙皇帝) of the Qing Dynasty built a residence here for his fourth son, Prince Yong, who later became Emperor Yongzheng(雍正皇帝). After Yongzheng ascended the throne, he converted the front half of the residence into a Yellow Sect temple(黄教上院), with the rear half as a palace. The palace was later destroyed by fire. In 1725, the Yellow Sect temple was transformed into a palace and officially renamed Yonghe Gong(雍和宫). After Emperor Yongzheng’s death, his coffin was temporarily placed here.
Lama Temple is also the birthplace and childhood home of Emperor Qianlong(乾隆皇帝), making it a residence of two generations of emperors. Its yellow tiles and red walls follow the same architectural standards as the Forbidden City, reflecting its royal grandeur. In 1744, it was officially converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple, a status it still holds today.
The temple is famous for its reputation of granting wishes, attracting many devotees, and it is one of the busiest temples in Beijing. On the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, as well as during festivals like the Laba Festival(腊八节) and Chinese New Year, the temple is filled with crowds. On Laba, people start queuing as early as 3 a.m. just to drink the Laba congee.
Best Time to Visit
The temple can be visited year-round, but autumn is especially pleasant.
Tour Route
After ticket inspection at the main entrance, visitors generally follow this route. Chinese visitors typically make wishes in specific halls.
Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors walk along a 150-meter-long tree-lined avenue called the “carriage path”(辇道). In ancient Chinese architecture, this path was reserved for the emperor’s royal carriage.
Zhaotai Gate(昭泰门)
This is the main entrance of the temple. Visitors can collect free incense on either side of the gate.
After passing through Zhaotai Gate, visitors will see two octagonal pavilions on either side, along with the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
Yonghe Gate Hall(雍和门殿)
Between the Yonghe Gate Hall and the main hall of the temple, you’ll find the Royal Stele Pavilion(御碑亭) and the “Lama Sutra”(喇嘛说) Stele. To the east and west are the Vajrayana Hall(密宗殿) and the Sutra Reading Hall(讲经殿).
This is the place for making wishes for happiness and joy.
Main Hall of Yonghe Temple(雍和宫殿)
Here, visitors mainly wish for wealth and prosperity.
In Chinese culture, offering incense is an important ritual. Usually, three incense sticks are for oneself, six for two generations, nine for three generations, and thirteen for complete merit.
The incense offering ritual is as follows: light the incense, hold it with the left hand on top and the right hand underneath, raise it above your head, bow three times to the four directions (East, South, West, and North), then place the incense into the incense ash. Finally, enter the hall and bow down.
Yongyou Hall(永佑殿)
This hall is where visitors pray for good health.
Wheel of Dharma Hall(法轮殿)
Here, visitors pray for career success.
The Wheel of Dharma Hall represents the fusion of Han and Tibetan cultures. In the center of the hall, a 6.1-meter-tall bronze statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, sits on a massive lotus platform. The hall is usually very crowded, with many well-dressed officials and dignitaries offering prayers.
Wanfu Pavilion(万福阁)
Visitors come here to pray for peace and safety throughout their lives.
Inside Wanfu Pavilion is the temple’s treasure, an 18-meter-tall sandalwood sculpture of Maitreya Buddha.
Guanyin Cave(观音洞)
This is the place to pray for marriage or children.
Suicheng Hall(绥成殿)
Located at the northernmost end of the temple, there is a small gate on the west side. This leads directly out to the Yonghe Gong subway station (Exit C). If you’re hungry, there are many local restaurants nearby where you can taste Beijing’s famous snacks.
Devotees usually return to express their gratitude to Buddha if their wishes come true.
Near the temple, you can explore Guozijian Street, home to the Beijing Confucian Temple and the Imperial Academy.
Photos
Basic Information
Admission: 25 RMB (Approx. USD 3.5. Free for children under 6 or shorter than 1.2 meters; half price for seniors and students). Online reservations are required via the “雍和宫游客信众服务” WeChat account.
Opening Hours: Off-season (November 1 – March 31): 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Peak season (April 1 – October 31): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Hours may be adjusted during major holidays; please refer to official notices.
Customer Service: +8610-84191906, 84191907
Official Website: 雍和宫
Transportation Options
Lama Temple does not have parking facilities, and parking around the area is limited. It is recommended to use public transportation or take a taxi.
Take Subway Line 5, get off at Yonghe Gong Station, and exit at F.
Important Notes
Lama Temple does not provide luggage storage.
During holidays, the temple adopts a one-way traffic flow from south to north, with no backtracking allowed.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main hall. Visitors should avoid wearing hats or revealing clothing.
Free environmental incense is provided at Zhaotai Gate; self-provided incense is not allowed. Do not step on the threshold when entering the main hall, as it is considered disrespectful, representing the Buddha’s shoulders.
At the religious item counter(法物流通处), you can purchase bracelets and other devotional items, but there may be a line, and the prices are relatively high (ranging in the hundreds of RMB). Therefore, some netizens suggest buying bracelets at Panjiayuan instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the temple crowded on weekends?
Yes, weekends are typically crowded, and there may be lines at the ticket entrance. However, the temple limits the number of visitors to 40,000 per day.
How long does it take to visit the entire temple?
A general tour takes 1-2 hours; if you plan to make wishes at various halls, allow 3-4 hours.
Where can I buy a bracelet?
There are three places to purchase religious items: one is located on the west side of the main gate (no ticket required, outside the temple), the second is outside the Zhaotai Gate (with a wide selection), and the third is near the Shilun Hall(时轮殿), with a consecration room(开光处) nearby.