Attractions: Lama Temple, Beijing

• Source: China.org.cn
• [08:56 August 27 2009]
• Comments

Photo shows the tablet of "the Lama Temple" in Beijing. (Xinhua Photo)

Why is the Lama Temple (Yong He Gone) number two on the list?

I really like this temple as compared to others around the city because this is still an active place of worship. Worshipers and visitors alike become part of the story as it happens, as opposed to simply imagining how it would have been. Since the Lama Temple is located in town and easily reached from the subway line, this is one of the best opportunities to experience current culture and history all at once.

Additionally, upon ticket purchase, visitors are given a mini disc in either English or Chinese to take home and learn more about the temple they are visiting. Although this disc provides only minimal English, this is big step in the way of technology and a personal first for me to find in China. I found this to be a pretty romantic gesture for a culture that is opening its doors to the world, especially in an active place of worship: where the past meets the here and now.

What to know before you go?

Yong He Gong Lama Temple is also known as the "Palace of Peace and Harmony." It is considered the best Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. Originally constructed in 1694 as the private residence of Prince Yong Zheng in the Qing Dynasty, half of the palace was converted into a monastery in 1722. After the death of the prince, Yong He Gong was converted into a lamasery in 1744 and served as a residence for large amounts of monks from Tibet and Mongolia.

Yong He Gong's architectural styles are unique in the fact that it combines Manchurian, Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian aspects. Everywhere a visitor turns, expansive details and bold patterns can be found to tease and tantalize the senses.

Because Yong He Gong is still being used as an active place of worship, many monks inhabit her grounds. Their duties include chanting sutras in the morning and during certain intervals on the lunar calendar, also carrying out Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies. If they are lucky, visitors may catch a glimpse of a chant while wondering the grounds.

Yong He Gong is easily accessible from the Beijing subway line at a stop aptly named "Lama Temple". This is on line 5 (the pink line) at the intersection of line 5 and line 2 (dark blue). Since the subway easily carries visitors to the Lama Temple, it is very accessible to travelers, tourists, and worshipers.