Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

In a country where religion is all but forbidden, where it is illegal to preach in public, where less than half the people have ever heard the words Jesus Christ spoken or walked into a church, the Lama Temple stands of a beacon of light. I found the Lama Temple to be a Holy Space in the middle of Beijing a bustling city of 14 million. On entering the Temple, one immediately is drawn by the fervent prayers of the Chinese visitors. I watch as hundreds knelt and burnt incense sticks in prayer to their ancestors and was reminded that we’re all brothers and sisters in God’s eyes.

The Yonghegong Lama temple is a must see for visitors to Beijing. It is a functioning temple for Tibetan buddhism; you can see people praying and burning joss sticks all around the temple complex. The temple itself is huge, with interesting architecture and a gigantic wooden statue in a hall in the North end of the complex.

It is no wonder that this remarkable place has been protected by so many administrations throughout the complex history of China. Transported piece by piece from Nepal in the 17th century, it is a magnificent if cozy site. It is a must see on any trip to Beijing. It has been spared the blatant merchandising that most sites of this nature have been blighted by. That's not to say there are no vendors, but they are modestly kept, and not in your face with the "HELLO, HELLO" "BEST Price FOR YOU" that tourists get hardened too so quickly. It is a Lama Buddhist holy site, so be modest and contain the kids. NO PICTURES IN THE BUILDINGS. You can buy postcards very reasonably that show the highlights. The 23 meter high Buddha is the top of the list. Carved from a single white sandalwood tree. The streets outside are lined with fireworks vendors, and some interesting food. Watch your stuff if you venture beyond the Temple gates.

This temple is turely a great place to get away and mix with the local's. You are made to feel welcome, but would advise that you respect the peace as people are praying and take it very seriuosly. The best route is straight up the middle of the temple and then work round the outside. Worth a trip and you can use the tube which is 3rmb

I loved this place. Even your faith in Buddhism is quite questionable, the Yonghegong Lama Temple will inspire you to light some incense and bow low before the Buddha statues. Devotees folk together from all corners and irrespective of watching eyes and gawking tourists, they carry about their worship amidst noisy camera shutters and lame banter. Many fall to the knees and fervently utter silent prayers while others offer fruits and incense as peace offerings. The place is always crowded with mostly local than foreigners. One of the temples hold a massive statue of the Buddha - 18 meters above the ground and 8 meters below. And the catch is its all carved out of one single Sandal wood tree trunk! Amazing huh? The statues are grandly presented and beautifully maintained. Most of the statues are huge and larger than life. And you will be filled with awe at the large collections of writings and books that the Buddha studied out of... All is all, the Yonghegong Lama temple is a must see.

This lovingly maintained Lama Buddhist temple is a must see if you're visting Beijing. It was definitely worth it to shell out the extra RMB to get the audio tour which explained some of the symbols and traditions of Lama Buddhism.

Must see....impressive buddha made from log, wonderful finishings, etc. You will understand why it is in the guiness record when you see it! A tour guide to explain the history and understanding how the buddha was made is required.