The Lama Temple, located in the northeast corner of downtown Beijing, was originally constructed by Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi in the 33rd year of his reign (1694) as a residence for his fourth son, Yin Zhen, who later became Yongzheng Emperor. Because two emperors, including Emperor Qianlong, were born here, the Lama Temple became known as a "dragon's hidden blessing place", featuring yellow tiles and red walls similar to the Forbidden City.
Comprising three exquisite archways and five grand halls, the Lama Temple is the highest-ranked Buddhist temple in China during the mid to late Qing Dynasty. It is also the most thriving temple in Beijing. Visitors can pray for academic and career success, as well as for blessings related to marriage and health.
At the Lama Temple, in addition to making wishes, visitors can obtain beautifully crafted bracelets made from the ashes of burned incense. The exquisite and unparalleled aromatic ash glass bead bracelet is so beautiful and sometimes even out of stock, leading it to be a "hard to get" bracelet. The architecture of the Lama Temple is stunning, representing the pinnacle of Oriental aesthetics.