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At Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), visitors can explore its beautiful architecture, walk through the peaceful courtyards, and admire the exquisite Buddhist statues, including the massive Maitreya Buddha. The temple offers a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation and photography.
Located in the northeast corner of Beijing's Dongcheng District, east of Yonghegong Street, the Lama Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the city. Because it produced two emperors, Yongzheng and Qianlong, it became known as a "dragon's sanctuary," and its halls feature yellow tiles and red walls, resembling the Forbidden City. It was the highest-standard Buddhist temple in China during the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty.
The temple primarily comprises three exquisite memorial archways and a magnificent five-story hall. From the East and West memorial archways, boasting flying eaves and brackets, to the quaint East and West Shunshan Towers, it covers a total area of 66,400 square meters and boasts over a thousand halls. The Zhaotai Gate, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Lama Temple, Lecture Hall, and Tantric Hall all embody the standard "Seven Halls" layout of Chinese Buddhist temples. This magnificent and luxurious structure, considered a royal building, is well worth a visit.
The northern temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours
25 yuan
Winter: November 1st to March 31st, 9:00-16:00
Summer: April 1st to October 31st, 9:00-16:30
Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is a Tibetan Buddhist temple that was built in the 17th century. It was originally the residence of an emperor before being converted into a lamasery. It is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet, known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance.
The Lama Temple is located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing. It can be accessed by metro (Line 2, with a stop at Lama Temple Station). Buses and taxis are also convenient options, and walking is possible from nearby attractions like Confucius Temple.
The temple is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier.
The entrance fee is approximately 25 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance, and there are no online booking options for general visits.
No, advance booking is not required. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but if visiting during peak seasons, arriving early is recommended to avoid long queues.
It typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the main areas of the temple, including the halls, courtyards, and the large Buddha statue. If you wish to participate in religious ceremonies or meditate, you might need more time.
Key highlights include the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Wheel of Law, and the main hall featuring the 18-meter-high Maitreya Buddha. Don't miss the peaceful courtyards and the vibrant prayer wheels.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, for a small fee.
The courtyards and the large Buddha statue offer excellent photo opportunities. The colorful prayer flags and intricate details of the buildings also provide great photo spots.
Start at the main entrance, pass through the courtyard, visit the Hall of Heavenly Kings, then move to the Hall of the Wheel of Law, and finally reach the main hall with the Maitreya Buddha. The layout is straightforward and easy to navigate.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, the temple offers special tours during major festivals like Tibetan New Year.
The temple can get crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
There are basic facilities such as toilets and a small rest area. No large restaurants or food courts inside the temple, but you can find food stalls nearby. There are souvenir shops selling religious artifacts and local crafts.
The temple is accessible for elderly and children, but some parts may have narrow stairways. For disabled visitors, there may be limited accessibility in certain areas, but the main halls are accessible by ramp.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted for purchases. Cash is also accepted, but it’s better to have mobile payment options for convenience.
There are several small cafes and restaurants near the Lama Temple, serving local Chinese dishes. For a more extensive selection, head to the nearby Wudaokou area for international and local dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants, and halal food can be found in the Wudaokou area, which has a significant Muslim population.
Nearby hotels include budget options like the 7 Days Inn and mid-range hotels such as the Beijing Shaoyuan Hotel. For a more luxurious stay, the Andaz Beijing and Hotel Jen are within a short distance.
Nearby attractions include the Confucius Temple, the Temple of Earth, and the Drum Tower. These can all be easily visited in one day, as they are within close proximity.
There are souvenir shops near the temple selling Buddhist relics, prayer beads, incense, and traditional Chinese crafts. The most typical souvenirs are prayer items and small statues of Buddha.
The best transportation options are metro, buses, or taxis. The Lama Temple station (Line 2) is the nearest metro stop, and buses to major attractions like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are easily accessible from here.
