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Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple): Complete Visitor's Guide

The Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, stands as Beijing's largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temple. Originally built as an imperial residence, it later transformed into a lamasery, embodying a unique blend of Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan cultures. Today, it is renowned throughout China as a sacred place for making wishes and prayers.

Why Visit Yonghe Temple

  • Most significant Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet
  • Magnificent architectural complex with imperial features
  • Famous for its powerful spiritual atmosphere
  • Home to a 26-meter tall Buddha statue carved from a single white sandalwood tree
  • Rich cultural fusion of multiple ethnic traditions

Prayer Halls and Their Purposes

Main Prayer Sequence

  1. Yonghe Gate Hall (雍和门殿)

    • Purpose: General well-being and happiness

  2. Yonghe Temple Hall (雍和宫殿)

    • Purpose: Wealth and prosperity

  3. Yongyou Hall (永佑殿)

    • Purpose: Protection from evil and misfortune

  4. Falun Hall (法轮殿)

    • Purpose: Career success

  5. Wanfu Pavilion (万福阁)

    • Front hall: Peace and safety
    • Back hall: Marriage and fertility

  6. Suicheng Hall (绥成殿)

    • Purpose: Health and longevity
Yonghe Temple layout and prayer route

Visitor Information

Opening Hours & Admission

  • Summer: 9:00 - 16:30
  • Winter: 9:00 - 16:00
  • Admission: ¥25 per person
  • Advance reservation required through official WeChat account
  • Free incense provided (3 sticks per hall)

Prayer Etiquette

  1. Dress Code

    • Modest clothing required
    • No shorts, revealing clothes, or hats
    • Remove sunglasses inside halls

  2. Incense Offering

    • Hold with left hand on top, right hand below
    • Raise above head while making wishes
    • Don't blow out flames - wave gently to extinguish
    • Three incense sticks per hall

  3. Hall Entry

    • Use side doors, not central entrance
    • Don't step on thresholds
    • Enter with right foot first
    • No photos inside halls (exterior photos permitted)

Religious Articles Shops & Blessing Services

Shop Locations

  1. West Side of Main Entrance

    • No admission ticket required
    • Basic selection of items

  2. East Side of Zhaotai Gate

    • Largest selection
    • Most comprehensive store

  3. West Side of Yongyou Hall

    • Near blessing area
    • Specialized items

Blessing Service

  • Hours: 9:00 - 16:30
  • Location: West side of Yongyou Hall
  • Free service (donations accepted)
  • Bring your own items or purchase from shops
  • Arrive 2 hours before closing

Transportation

By Subway (Recommended)

  • Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong Station
  • Exit F (Southeast)
  • 5-minute walk to entrance

By Bus

  • Routes: 13, 84, 116, 117, Night 6
  • Stop: Yonghegong Station
  • Alternative routes: Special 2, 18, 62
  • Stop: Yonghegong Bridge East

Essential Tips

  1. Best Visiting Times

    • Early morning to avoid crowds
    • Weekdays for quieter experience
    • Allow 2-3 hours for full visit

  2. Prayer Guidelines

    • Maximum three wishes
    • Be specific in requests
    • Promise to return if wishes granted
    • Follow prescribed hall sequence

  3. Practical Advice

    • No food vendors inside
    • Bring water
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Small notebook for commemorative stamps
    • Cash for donations/purchases

Nearby Attractions

  • Confucius Temple
  • Imperial College
  • Ditan Park
  • Wudaoying Hutong
  • Guozijian Street

Making Wishes

Proper Format

  1. Introduce yourself (name, ID, location)
  2. State specific wish details
  3. Specify timeline
  4. Promise to return if granted
  5. Keep wishes reasonable (maximum 3)

Sample Prayer Structure

"I am [name] from [place], requesting [specific wish] to be fulfilled by [timeline]. I promise to return to show gratitude when my wish is granted."