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Lama Temple |
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Why the The Lama Temple in Beijing is the largest and best preserved lamasery in the world outside of Tibet. The building complex covers a large area - it stretches back almost 500 meters (1600 feet) from the front gate. The Lama Temple has five major halls, each fronted by its own courtyard bustling with activity. Architecturally, the halls enjoy traditional styling imbued with bright hued structural details and elaborately upturned eaves.
Lama Temple
The most striking element of the Lama Temple is the 23 meter (75 foot) high statue of the standing Buddha. It resides in the rear and tallest hall - and was carved from the trunk of a single sandalwood tree.
Another hall is home to three large bronze statues of the seated Buddha. They depict Buddha in his three classic states: past, present and future.
You experience a working lamasery, not a museum ambience. The daily scene is infused with dozens of monks and hundreds of devotees praying and burning incense sticks.
Though the Lama Temple was founded and is today considered a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery, many of the monks come from Mongolia.
The buildings were first constructed in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty. Originally, the site was the residence of the Emperor Yongzheng when he was still a prince. The site was eventually converted into a lamasery.
The Lama Temple is also known by various names including Yonghe Lamasery, Yonghegong, and the Palace of Peace and Harmony.
Pronunciation guide Lama: lah-mah
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I hope your China travel dreams come true - and that my Lama Temple travel guide helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications
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