Yonghe Temple: A Centuries-Long Journey of Tranquility

Yonghe Temple: A Centuries-Long Journey of Tranquility

The moment you step into Yonghe Temple, the solemnity between the red walls and yellow tiles dispels the restlessness of the city. This Tibetan Buddhist temple, converted from the Prince Yong Mansion, holds the past of the Qing royal family and three centuries of faith, with every step feeling like flipping through living history.

Walking along the central axis, the five courtyards from Zhaotai Gate to Wanfuge Pavilion progress layer by layer. The Maitreya Buddha in the Hall of Heavenly Kings welcomes visitors from all directions with a smile, his earlobes adorned with golden pendants gently swaying with the incense smoke, as if hiding countless worldly stories; inside the Hall of the Wheel of Dharma, the curling incense smoke and the devout figures of worshippers make the power of faith truly palpable. The most stunning sight is the white sandalwood Buddha in Wanfuge Pavilion, a 26-meter-tall statue carved from a single piece of wood. Looking up at it, one feels small and all worries vanish in the presence of such solemnity.

The blessing rituals carry the warmth of details: next to Zhaotai Gate, you can receive incense for free, taking three sticks with both hands, lighting them by gently fanning rather than blowing, and when holding the incense above your head with your left hand, your heart also calms down. If you want to purchase ritual items, the three circulation points each have their focus; the one at the park entrance is accessible without a ticket. After choosing your favorite prayer beads, go to the consecration room on the west side of Yongyou Hall to listen to the master chanting sutras—this sense of ceremony is especially healing. Different halls focus on different wishes: Yonghe Temple’s main hall is for wealth, the west side hall for academic success. Knowing this in advance helps you precisely entrust your wishes.

After touring the temple, you can try some local snacks along Yonghe Street or walk to Nanluoguxiang and Shichahai to continue your journey. Looking back at the flying eaves and upturned corners under the sunset, the lingering incense and echoes of history intertwine. This trip is not only about praying and making wishes but also a deep dialogue with your inner self. No wonder people say Yonghe Temple is effective—perhaps it is this tranquility and devotion that inherently hold the power to heal the heart.

Post by LunarJester5555 | Oct 25, 2025