Visiting the Lama Temple - YongHeGong - in Beijing

March 17, 2007 on 3:47 am | In Places to visit in China, Observations, Living in China |

Temples in China have many different origins…The Lama temple in Beijing is (per the Chinese historians) the biggest Buddhist Temple in Beijing.  It was built in 1694 as a residence for the Qing Dynasty prince Yong.  Then in 1725 it was made into a palace with the name Yong He Gong (apparently the name is supposed to mean Harmony and Peace Yong He, palace Gong).  Then in 1744 the palace was changed into a Lamasery.

The construction of the place carries the characteristics of multiple cultures - Han, Manchu, Tibetan.  There are many Buddhist statues in the various halls of the place.  With the three most famous ones being:

  • Niche of Buddha - carved from NanMu (one of the precious hard woods of China)
  • Five Hundred Arhat Mountain - carved from red sandalwood
  • Big Buddha Maitreya - 18 meters high statues. its main part carved from one single piece of white sandalwood

Here are some images from the Temple so you can decide for yourself if you would like to visit.  More images will be posted in the blog Photo Album web page.  Enjoy!
Small_Lama_temple_beijing_may_06_title.JPG   Small_bridge_between_2_buildings_at_lama_temple_beijing_may_06 (46).JPG    Small_lama_temple_beijing_may_06 (24).JPG  Small_lama_temple_beijing_may_06 (13).JPG  Small_prayer_at_lama_temple_beijing_may_06 (38).JPG

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