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Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) Review

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Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Address: 12 Yonghegong Dajie, Beixingqiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Phone: 010/6404-3769; 010/6404-4499

Category: Religious Sites
Location: Dongcheng District

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Fodor's Review:

Beijing's most visited religious site and one of the most important functioning Buddhist temples in Beijing, this Tibetan Buddhist masterpiece has five main halls and numerous galleries hung with finely detailed thangkhas (painted cloth scrolls). The entire temple is decorated with Buddha images—all guarded by somber lamas (monks) dressed in brown robes. Originally a palace for Prince Yongzheng, it was transformed into a temple once he became the Qing's third emperor in 1723. The temple flourished under Emperor Qianlong, housing some 500 resident monks.

While the souvenir shops add some kitsch, the monks temper this with their own brand of serenity. And although indoor photography is prohibited, the exterior of the temple is quite photogenic: the walls are richly painted, and the monks peep through misty incense smoke.

Cost: Y25
Open: Daily 9-5
Metro: Yonghegong

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