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Beijing Lama Yonghe Temple

Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) Guide, Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) Travel Tips.

Introducing Beijing Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
 
The Lama Temple, or Yonghe Gong, is a famous lamasery located in the northeastern part of the old city of Beijing. It was a palatial residence built in 1694 by Qing Emperor Kangxi for his fourth son, Prince Yongzheng who later succeeded to the throne. This magnificent temple consists of five main buildings lying on the north-south axis, with annex halls standing on both sides. The temple is listed by the Chinese Government as one of the important historical monuments under special preservation.
 
After the death of his father, Emperor Yongzheng moved to the Forbidden City. The compound was closed to ordinary people and was renamed Yonghegong (the Palace of Harmony). Green roof tiles were replaced by yellow ones to suit a monarch‘s home. In 1744 his successor Emperor Qianlong converted the palace into a lamasery. 
 
Several renovations have been carried out since 1949. The temple has taken on a new look and was reopened to the public in 1981. It is now not only a functional lama temple, but also a tourist attraction.
 
What to See at Beijing Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)?
 
The Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) is arranged along a north-south central axis, which has a length of 480m. The main gate is at the southern end of this axis. Along the axis, there are five main halls which are separated by courtyards: the Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tian Wang Dian or Devaraja Hall), the Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yong He Gong), the Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yong You Dian), the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Fa Lun Dian), and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses (Wan Gu Ge).

The Falun Dian (Hall of the Wheel of Law) contains a 6m (20-ft.) bronze statue and paintings of Tsongkapa (1357-1419), the founder of the Yellow Hat (Geluk) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is now the dominant school of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsongkapa is the teacher of both both Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. The thrones next to the statue are for the Dalai Lamas when they used to come here to teach. Wan Fu Ge (Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses) houses the temple's prize possession - a huge Tibetan-style statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha), 18m (60 ft.) tall. A gift for Emperor Qianlong from the seventh Dalai Lama, it is carved from a single piece of Tibetan white sandalwood and it took three years to ship it to Beijing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quick Facts on Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Name: Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Name in Chinese: Yong He Gong,  雍和宫
Location: No.20, Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Dates: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Admission Fee: CNY25
Opening Hours: 09:00 to 16:30 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31); 09:00 to 16:00 (Nov. 1 to Mar. 31)
 
How to Get to Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)?
By Subuway: Line 2 & 5 at Yonghegong Station, Exit C (Southwest Exit), walk south about 400 meters on the east side.
By Bus: Bus 13, 116, 117 or 684 and get off at Yonghegong Station.
 
Article Info
Title: Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Author: Johnping
Last updated: Dec, 03, 2013
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