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- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing

Located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) (雍和宫) is the largest lamasery in Beijing. The resplendent temple was first built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as the residence for Prince Yong (Yin Zhen) who later ascended to the throne and was known as Emperor Yongzheng. In 1744, the dwelling was completely changed into a lamasery.

The temple is more like an imperial palace, featuring yellow gilded tiles and red walls enclosing the whole architectural complex. It harmoniously blends the architectural styles of the Han, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan ethnic groups.

Along its central axis from the south to the north, there are five main halls separated by courtyards-the Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), the Hall of Everlasting Blessings (Yongyoudian), the Hall of the Dharma Wheel (Falundian) and the Pavilion of Infinite Happiness (Wanfuge). The wing halls are located on both sides. The Hall of Harmony and Peace is the main building of the temple. The Hall of the Dharma Wheel is well-known for its unique design, while the three-tiered Pavilion of Infinite Happiness is the most exquisite and stunning structure inside the temple.

The temple houses a great number of precious and unique Buddhist cultural relics, which include the statue of the Maitreya Buddha carved from White Sandalwood, the statue of Je Tsongkhapa, the Five-Hundred-Arhat-Hill, and the statues of Buddhas of the Three Ages-Gautama Buddha (Buddha of the Present), Kasyapa Matanga (Buddha of the Past) and Maitreya Buddha (Buddha of the Future).

Travel Tips:

1. You can find many hotels and hostels nearby, such as Beijing Minfu Hotel, Beijing P. Loft Youth Hostel and Haina Inn Lama Temple Branch.

2. Try the traditional Beijing food on the Local Snack Street near the Lama Temple.

3. There are a lot of traditional stores around the Lama Temple, where you can buy some commodities with folk features.

- Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

- Admission: 25 yuan

- Tel: 86-10-64044499

- How to get there: Take Subway Line 2, 5 to Yonghe Gong Station(Lama Temple), Bus Te 2, 44, 62 to Yonghe Gong, or Bus 13, 116, 684 to Guozijian