The Yonghe Temple in Beijing is also known as the Harmony and Peach Palace Lamasery, Yonghe Lamasery or the Yonghe Lama Temple. The temple is located in the north east of the city of Beijing and is considered to be the best preserved and largest lamasery to be found in China.
A Brief History
The structure was initially built during the Qing Dynasty in 1694. Its original purpose was that of a residence for the Emperor Yongzheng. In 1744, the buildings status changed from its original use to that of a lamasery. The structure eventually became the national centre of the Lama administration.
The Main Attractions inside The Yonghe Temple
On arriving at the southern end of the temple complex, visitors will find themselves in a courtyard containing a screen wall with three Paifangs or gateways. Within this space the walls of red are accompanied by stone lions that contain symbols that signify the dwelling was originally a residence of the Chinese Imperial Family. To the north of the three gateways is a wide straight road, which was used by the carriages transporting the emperors and their wives during the Qing Dynasty of 1644-1911.
Admission Fee and Opening Hours
The address of the temple is no.12 Yonghegong Street, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing.The admission fee is 25 CNY with children below 1.2m in height having free entry. From April until October the temple is open from 9am until 4.30pm. From November until March the opening hours are slightly shorter, from 9am until 4pm.
The recommended time allowed for a visit is about 90 minutes.
How to get to the Yonghe Lama Temple
