Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

The Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple, is one of Beijing's most visited places of worship and a working temple of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Construction began in 1694 on the site of a Ming dynasty residence for court eunuchs, and the complex became the home of Prince Yong, later the Yongzheng Emperor. In 1744 the Qianlong Emperor turned it into a lamasery. It was listed as a nationally protected cultural relic in 1961 and opened to the public in 1981.

The visit follows a long north-south line. A memorial archway and the Imperial Carriage Pathway lead to the Zhaotai Gate, flanked by drum and bell towers. You then pass through a series of halls: the Gate Hall of Harmony and Peace, the Hall of Harmony and Peace, the Hall of Everlasting Protection and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law. Look for the three bronze Buddhas of the Three Ages and a large carving known as the Five-Hundred-Arhat Hill, as well as two Qianlong-era stone steles from 1744 and 1792.

The temple's most famous sight is in the last main building, the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses. Inside stands a statue of Maitreya about 18 metres high above ground, with a further 8 metres said to be below, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. It was a gift from the seventh Dalai Lama to the Qianlong Emperor and entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1993. The temple is also known for the Cham dance, a masked ritual dance.

Remember that this is an active temple. Worshippers burn incense in the courtyards, so be respectful, keep voices down and avoid photographing people at prayer. The Beijing government has reported that tickets are sold through the temple's official WeChat account, Service for Visitors to Yonghe Temple, under your real name, and that you should bring the same identity document on the day. At busy festivals, especially around the Lunar New Year, entry is limited and queues are long.

Allow one to two hours. Yonghegong Lama Temple station on Lines 2 and 5 is close by. The Confucius Temple and Imperial College are a short walk west along Guozijian Street, and the courtyard restaurant King's Joy is next to the temple, which makes this corner of Dongcheng easy to explore in one morning.