Using Religion and History to Appreciate the Beauty of Yonghe Temple

It's often said that wishes made at Yonghe Temple are always granted, but I just wanted to take a stroll and admire the architectural beauty of the temple.

Located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, Yonghe Temple was originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng and was known as Yong Prince's Mansion. Later, Emperor Qianlong was also born here, making it a place that produced two emperors. In the 9th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, it was converted into a Lama temple. Covering an area of over 60,000 square meters, it houses numerous Buddha statues and precious cultural relics, earning it the title of a museum of Tibetan Buddhist art. The architecture within the temple combines Han and Tibetan styles, making it an important religious site and tourist attraction.

Upon entering, you pass through the Ginkgo Avenue, which is very beautiful and crowded with people taking photos. The first structure you see is the Zhaotai Gate. Despite the crowd, there is still a solemn and respectful atmosphere. After receiving incense by the Zhaotai Gate, I learned that the middle of the gate is called the Empty Gate, so men should step over it from the left and women from the right. After lighting the incense, you enter the Yonghe Gate Hall, where people pray for happiness and smoothness in life. I don't ask for much, just happiness and smoothness.

On either side of the Yonghe Gate Hall are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. In front of the Drum Tower is a large pot that was used for distributing porridge in the past, which is quite unique!

Behind the Yonghe Gate Hall is a bronze incense burner, said to be made during the Qianlong period by melting down furnaces from the Yuan and Ming dynasties. There is also an imperial stele pavilion with inscriptions written by Emperor Qianlong himself.

Passing through the Yonghe Gate Hall, you reach the Yongyou Hall, which is believed to ward off evil and disasters. Next is the Falun Hall, followed by the Wanfuge Pavilion, where people pray for good fortune and safety. The rear hall houses a statue of Guanyin, where people pray for marriage and children. This is the tallest building in Yonghe Temple, featuring a Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. The statue stands 18 meters above ground and 8 meters below, totaling 26 meters. This Maitreya Buddha is incredibly tall and impressive, making it the largest single-wood carved Buddha statue in the world. Further along is the Zhaofu Tower, where the Buddha niche is made of golden silk nanmu, another highlight of Yonghe Temple.

With its royal atmosphere, Yonghe Temple's architectural design follows a central axis. Each deity in the halls has a different expression, vividly guarding this ancient temple. Yonghe Temple is not only a Buddhist holy site but also an ancient architectural complex witnessing historical changes, rich in cultural connotations. Did you feel it while touring and offering incense?

Post by shiow huey | Jan 2, 2025