China Travel

If you only have the time, energy or inclination to visit one temple in Beijing, consider making it the Yonghe Gong (Lama Temple). This incredibly colorful and vibrant complex features gorgeous frescoes, gardens and sculptures and is a vivid symbol of how China, Tibet and Mongolia have influenced one another over the centuries. 

Yonghe Gong is the largest and most perfectly preserved Tibetan-style Lama temple in eastern Han China. Constructed during the Manchu Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) as a home first for court eunuchs, then for Prince Yin Zhen; it became a lamasery for both Tibetan and Mongolian monks in 1744, after the prince became Emperor Yong Zheng.

Combining Tibetan, Mongolian, Han and Manchurian touches, the complex's dominant aesthetic is Tibetan, fittingly enough for a temple dedicated to Tibetan Gelug (Yellow Hat) Buddhism. If you can't make it to Tibet or Tibetan areas of Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai or Gansu, the Lama Temple is a great way to get a taste of Tibetan Buddhism, though visitors should be aware that what one sees is, obviously, a state-approved version of the religion that has caused significant disharmony at times between the government and China's often restive Tibetan population.

Sculptures, made from all kinds of materials including gold, silver, copper, iron and tin, adorn the prayer halls along with impressive mandalas, though certain statues depicting acts of sexual congress are currently deemed inappropriate for visitors and remain under wraps. Nonetheless, visitors have much to see, including the golden statue of Gelug sect founder Tsongkhapa along with numerous Dalai Lamas. The Wanfu Pavilion features a famous 18-meter tall sandalwood statue of the Matreya Buddha.