If you believe in or appreciate Tibetan Buddhism but cannot visit Tibet, you might as well visit a temple named Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing, which is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing and was the former residence of Emperor Yongzheng and Qianlong.

It was the place where two of the Qing dynasty’s emperors once lived, and so it was then reputed as the “auspicious land for dragons to rest (dragons refer to emperors)”. What this palace differs from other places of the Qing dynasty is that its roof tiles are all yellow not green, which means it shares the same status with that of the Forbidden City. Emperor Yongzheng believed in Tibetan Buddhism and left this palace for us to worship today.

Yonghegong Lama Temple is located in the northeastern corner of Dongcheng District. The temple converted from a palace looks nostalgic and magnificent, occupying an area of 66,400 square meters and has weathered 300 years of history. The entire place consists of Tianwang Hall, Yonghegong Great Hall, Yongyou Hall, Falun Hall, Wanfu Pavilion and other buildings. The entire architectural outlay shrinks from the south to the north, but the halls gradually rise. This outlay suggests a Chinese tradition: The main halls are tall and magnificent and the important yards are hidden deep inside. It also has the characteristics of Han, Manchu, Mongolia and Tibet. In 1694, Emperor Kangxi ordered to build this palace and then granted it to his fourth son Emperor Yongzheng, the emperor following Kangxi.

Type: Historical buildings

Best time to visit: All year round

Recommended time for travel: 2-3 hours

Admission: 25 RMB

Opening hours:April 1 - Oct. 31: 09:00 - 16:30; Nov. 1 - March 31: 09:00 - 16:00

Add: No. 12, Beixinqiao Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Hot-line: 010-64044499