This magnificent Buddhist monastery in central Beijing is well worth a visit both for its stillness and its beauty.

The Lama Temple is a calm and peaceful oasis in the heart of the busy city. Beginning life as a home for members of Chinese royalty, it is now a huge Buddhist temple and monastery, and plays a central role in the practice of that faith in China’s capital.

Pilgrims flock here to worship, while many others come to enjoy the exquisite murals, beautifully sculpted Buddha statues and other art on display throughout the temple. The architecture and artworks here display both Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.

Also known as the Palace of Peace and Harmony, or Yonghegong in Mandarin, the Lama Temple was converted into a monastery during the course of the 18th century. It is composed of five main halls, along with a number of small and intimate courtyards and sanctuaries. Stroll among the shrines and enjoy the colour on display, listening to the chanting monks as you go these often include visitors from Mongolia and Tibet.

The history and development of Buddhism is laid out for you during a tour of the monastery. Visit the Hall of Harmony and Peace to see the Avalokiteśvara mural representing compassion, or take in the splendid and enormous 26-metre sandalwood Buddha in the Pavilion of the Ten Thousand Happinesses.

To really soak in the tranquil ambience and admire the religious iconography on display, it’s best to allow most of a morning or an afternoon for your visit.

The Lama Temple is found in the middle of Beijing, in the Dongcheng District. Mementoes and Buddhist remembrances are available in the many craftshops found in the area. You can reach here via the Yonghegong Lama Temple subway station.

The temple is open every day, and there is a fee for entry. Please be quiet and follow the photography guidelines. There are no specific rules regarding clothing, but it’s best to cover exposed skin.

Plan a trip to see Yonghe Temple

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel

Downtown Beijing

per person

3 Sept - 7 Sept

found 13 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Mumbai (BOM) to Beijing (PEK)

8.8/10 Excellent! (69 reviews)

Review on Property too high. It should be around 7.5. Location good. The lobby I found was really messy and could have been organized and cleaned up a bit. Patio is too small and could be enlarged. We stayed on the 7th floor and hall carpet should be replaced. The wifi is terrible. Bathrooms needs work. should have been inspected before using. Staff is very good and premise is very secure. House cleaning starts too early and loud. They also started renovations upstairs and we can hear all the noise from our room (morning). Remember - Its all the small stuff that makes it Great! They need to work on it. Would I stay there again? Maybe.

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

New World Beijing Hotel

Downtown Beijing

per person

3 Sept - 7 Sept

found 13 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Mumbai (BOM) to Beijing (PEK)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)

This was an incredible stay and they paid attention to every detail. We had the breakfast here which was reasonably priced and had many options. The bed was comfortable, the room clean and there were plenty of amenities.

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

CHAO Sanlitun Beijing

Downtown Beijing

per person

3 Sept - 7 Sept

found 13 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Mumbai (BOM) to Beijing (PEK)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (123 reviews)

The best hotel we have ever experienced. So close to Tai Koo Li Sanlitun shopping area too

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

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