Lama Temple

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Why the
Lama Temple
is special

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
tips & insights

Highlight #1

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.

Highlight #2

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.

Active lamasery

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.

Mongolian influence

Though the Lama Temple was founded and is today considered a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery, many of the monks come from Mongolia.

Creation

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.

Names

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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