Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple)雍和宫
Yonghe Temple is Beijing's largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery, originally the residence of the Yongzheng Emperor before he took the throne and converted to a Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Qianlong era. The Hall of the Wheel of Law enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni beside the famous mountain of five hundred arhats, and the incense never stops — it is one of the most efficacious places in Beijing to pray for good fortune.
Beijing · Visitor Guide2026-10-27
Quick Answer
Is Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple) worth visiting?
Beijing's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, once a living Buddha's residence — home to the Hall of the Wheel of Law and its five hundred arhats. Entry CNY 25.
Quick facts
| Ticket | CNY 25 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 09:00-17:00 (April 1 to October 31); 09:00-16:30 (November 1 to March 31) |
| Recommended duration | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; the incense peaks around Lunar New Year |
| How to get there | Metro Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong station, Exit F; buses 62, 116, 117 and more |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Area | About 66,000 sq m |
| Built | 1694 (Kangxi era of the Qing) |
| Status | Beijing's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery |
| Living Buddha | Qing-era residence for visiting Dalai Lamas |
| Hall of the Wheel of Law | Main hall, with the Sakyamuni statue |
| Arhat mountain | Five hundred arhats carved in sandalwood |
What to expect
Yonghe Temple's architecture is distinctive, fusing Han Chinese construction with Tibetan Buddhist style. Facing south, the compound unfolds through three successive courtyards; its principal buildings — the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the grand Yonghe Hall, the Hall of Eternal Blessing and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses — rise with flying eaves and bracket sets in gold and splendor.
The Hall of the Wheel of Law holds a serene statue of Sakyamuni over 6 m tall. Behind it stands the famous "mountain of five hundred arhats," carved from sandalwood in five hundred distinct poses, each one lifelike. In the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses, the carved wooden Maitreya Buddha stands 18 m tall, hewn from a single sandalwood trunk — a statue so vast it is called "a forest from one tree."
This is one of Beijing's busiest temples for incense and prayer; on Lunar New Year and major festivals the stream of worshippers never ends. Go in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the compound at its most tranquil. Keep your voice down and respect the religious etiquette as you go.
How to get there
Metro Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong station, Exit F, then about a 5-minute walk
Best photo spots
- The glazed-tile memorial archway at the entrance
- The golden roof of the Hall of the Wheel of Law
- The Maitreya Buddha in the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses
- Details of the five hundred arhats mountain
Tips
- Go in the morning to avoid the peak worship crowds
- No photography inside the halls — please comply
- Burn incense at the burners outside the halls; don't carry it inside
- Incense is available at the entrance at reasonable prices
Scams to avoid
- Beware of fortune-telling "masters" outside the gate
- Don't pay for "blessings" from supposed high monks
Frequently asked questions
What do people pray for at Yonghe Temple?
Folk tradition holds studies and career prayers are most efficacious — but sincerity is what counts.
Can I burn incense?
Yes — burners stand in the courtyards, and incense is available at the entrance.
How long does a visit take?
About 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on how deeply you explore.
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