Is the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) worth visiting?

Yes. It is Beijing's most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple, originally the Yongzheng Emperor's residence before it became a monastery in 1722. It is still an active place of worship, so you see monks chanting and locals making offerings of incense and fruit. The standout is the Wanfu Pavilion's 26-meter Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, a Guinness World Record.

How do I get to the Lama Temple and do I need to book?

Take the metro directly to Yonghegong station; the temple entrance is a short walk from the exit. No passport booking is needed. Free incense is provided at the entrance, which you light at the courtyards rather than inside the halls. Modest dress is required since it is a working monastery, not just a tourist site.

How long should I spend at Yonghe Temple?

Plan about one and a half to two hours to walk the five courtyards, which grow larger and more dramatic as you move north toward the giant Buddha. Weekday mornings, roughly 9 to 11, are the calmest and most atmospheric. The Confucius Temple is a ten-minute walk west, so many visitors pair the two heritage sites in one trip.

Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple), Beijing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Beijing's most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple — Emperor Yongzheng's former palace, now an active monastery.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 雍和宫 (Yōng Hé Gōng)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings 9:00-11:00
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 12 Yonghegong St, Dongcheng District, Beijing · 东城区雍和宫大街12号

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Yonghe Temple, known to tourists as the Lama Temple, was originally built in 1694 as the residence of the Yongzheng Emperor before he ascended the throne. After he became emperor, the building was converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple in 1722, and it remains one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet. The complex stretches along five courtyards on a north-south axis, growing larger and more dramatic as you walk in. The highlight is the Wanfu Pavilion containing the world's largest Buddha statue carved from a single piece of white sandalwood — 26 meters tall (18m above ground, 8m below), confirmed by Guinness World Records. Active monks chant here daily; you'll see locals making offerings of fruit, incense, and yak butter. Free incense is provided at the entrance. Modest dress required. Don't miss the Mandala wood carving in the Hall of the Wheel of Law.

Highlights

26m Sandalwood Buddha (檀木大佛)World's largest single-piece sandalwood Buddha — Guinness record
Wanfu Pavilion (万福阁)The pavilion built around the colossal Buddha statue
Free Incense (免费香)Provided at entrance; light at the courtyards, not inside halls
Active Monastery (常驻僧人)See real monks chanting; modest dress required
Combine with Confucius Temple (孔庙)10-minute walk west; two heritage sites in one trip

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Arrive right at opening on a weekday morning; incense smoke and low light through the first courtyards are at their best before crowds build.
▸Light the free incense at the courtyards, not inside the halls, and follow how worshippers bow at each gate.
▸Save the Wanfu Pavilion for last; the courtyards deliberately build up to the towering sandalwood Buddha at the rear.
▸Don't overlook the intricate Mandala wood carving in the Hall of the Wheel of Law, which most rushed visitors walk past.
▸Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered; this is an active monastery with monks chanting daily, not a museum.
▸Walk ten minutes west afterward to the quieter Confucius Temple and Imperial College to round out the morning.
▸On the first and fifteenth of the lunar month the temple fills with worshippers, so come another day if you want calm.

Photos

A group of people standing in front of a building

Stone guardian lion statue at a historic temple in Beijing, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and intricate design.

brown and white concrete building under blue sky during daytime

Explore the traditional architectural marvel of a historical landmark in Beijing, China.

A striking golden Buddha statue inside a richly decorated Chinese temple in Beijing.

Explore the intricate details of traditional Chinese temple architecture in Beijing, China.

Traditional Chinese architecture at the Summer Palace in Beijing.

A building with a fountain in front of it

Beautifully ornate Chinese temple interior showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors.

a large building with stairs leading up to it

Exterior view of a historic temple in Beijing, China, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

Marie F.·TripAdvisor·5/5

The atmosphere is thick with incense — the moment you walk through the gate you feel it. Bring tissues, the smoke is real.

2026-03-12

James C.·Google Maps·5/5

The 18-meter Maitreya Buddha carved from a single sandalwood tree is jaw-dropping. Free incense at the entrance.

2026-02-04

雨晴LamaTemple·Xiaohongshu·5/5

雍和宫求姻缘的人特别多，不过我觉得最值得看的是迈达拉佛大殿，太震撼了。

2026-01-28

Backpacker Dan·TripAdvisor·4/5

Best active Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. Go on a weekday morning to see actual monks chanting.

2026-04-09

Lin H.·Ctrip·4/5

门票25元很便宜。注意拍照不能正对佛像，工作人员会提醒。

2026-02-22

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Frequently asked questions about Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple)

Is the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) worth visiting?: Yes. It is Beijing's most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple, originally the Yongzheng Emperor's residence before it became a monastery in 1722. It is still an active place of worship, so you see monks chanting and locals making offerings of incense and fruit. The standout is the Wanfu Pavilion's 26-meter Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, a Guinness World Record.
How do I get to the Lama Temple and do I need to book?: Take the metro directly to Yonghegong station; the temple entrance is a short walk from the exit. No passport booking is needed. Free incense is provided at the entrance, which you light at the courtyards rather than inside the halls. Modest dress is required since it is a working monastery, not just a tourist site.
How long should I spend at Yonghe Temple?: Plan about one and a half to two hours to walk the five courtyards, which grow larger and more dramatic as you move north toward the giant Buddha. Weekday mornings, roughly 9 to 11, are the calmest and most atmospheric. The Confucius Temple is a ten-minute walk west, so many visitors pair the two heritage sites in one trip.