Tag Archives: Yonghe Gong

Yonghe Gong – Beijing’s Tibetan Temple

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The Yonghe Gong Temple is a monastery and temple located in the north-eastern region of Beijing, China. The temple is dedicated to the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also popularly called the “Lama Temple”, and the “Palace of Peace and Harmony Lama Temple”. It is widely regarded as one of the leading Tibetan Buddhist temples on the planet. The Yonghe Gong Temple’s architecture is a combination of traditional Tibetan and Han Chinese styles. The temple has had a long history and has survived turbulent times. It was opened to the public in 1981.

Construction on the Yonghe Gong Temple began during the Qing Dynasty in 1694. Its original purpose was to serve as the official residence of the court eunuchs. It was subsequently transformed into the court of a future Yongzheng Emperor, Prince Yong Yin Zhen. Part of the structure was transformed into a lamasery (a monastery for Tibetan Buddhist monks) in 1722 after Yongzhen’s ascension to the throne. The rest of the building continued to serve as the Imperial Palace. When Yongzhen passed away his coffin was put inside the temple. Yongzhen’s successor, the Qianlong Emperor, had the turquoise tiles of the temple replaced with yellow tiles normally reserved only for royalty, thus giving the temple imperial status. 


Since then the Yonghe Gong Temple has acted as the residence of many Tibetan and Mongolian monks and has served as the headquarters for the Lama administration. The temple is located along Beijing’s Dongcheng District, close to the north-eastern corner of Second Ring Road. Beijing is the capital of China and is home to many historical and cultural treasures. From the famed Forbidden City to airy Tiananmen Square, there are plenty of sights to see. Beijing is the ideal starting point to explore the mysterious Orient. 

Even seasoned travellers may find navigating Beijing a challenge and that is why it is important to get centralised accommodation. Tourists looking for a luxury apartment in Beijing in a central area can try the Ascott Beijing. Providing excellent Beijing accommodation just minutes away from the city’s most popular landmarks, it is the ideal place to stay.