Yonghe Temple

Yonghe Temple (Yonghe Gong or the Lama Temple) is a large Tibetan Buddhist temple and monastery in northeastern central Beijing, originally built in the Qing dynasty period. It is one of the best-preserved and most important lamaseries in the city.

The complex runs on a central north-south axis of gates, courtyards and successive ceremonial halls with richly painted pillars, carved beams and Tibetan-style statuary. The compound attracts worshippers and tourists for its scale, decorative woodwork and the principal Buddha images in the main halls.

Built in the late 17th century as an imperial residence, the complex was converted into a lamasery in the mid-18th century and expanded under the Qing court. It has served both religious and ceremonial functions since that conversion and retains many original Qing-era structures.

The temple sits in Beijing’s Dongcheng district, a short walk from the Lama Temple subway station and close to the northeast edge of the city’s central districts. The site is urban and easily reached by public transport.

• Historical role: Served as an imperial residence before being converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the 18th century and remains one of Beijing's best-preserved lamaseries.
• Access: Closest metro access is Yonghegong-Lama Temple station, served by Lines 2 and 5 which open directly near the temple entrance.

What to See #

• Gate and courtyards: The frontal gateway and a sequence of courtyards form a formal north-south axis leading deeper into the complex and screening the main halls.
• Hall of Harmony and Peace: A large ceremonial hall that serves as the complex's main shrine and houses principal statues and imperial altars used in state ceremonies after conversion to a lamasery.
• Main Buddha Hall: A richly decorated hall used for worship and display of important Buddha images and Tibetan-style murals; it is the focal point for many visitors.