Yonghe Temple – Beijing's Largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

Located in the northeastern corner of Beijing's inner city stands Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Beijing, renowned for its magnificent architecture and exquisite Buddhist statues. It has long been one of the city's most celebrated historic attractions. 

The entire complex is divided into three sections—east, central, and west. The central section forms the main axis, consisting of seven successive courtyards and five principal halls, flanked by numerous side halls and auxiliary buildings. Covering an area of 6.6 hectares, the temple complex contained 661 rooms according to a 1950 survey, including 238 Buddhist halls. 

Its architectural style is highly distinctive, blending artistic traditions from the Han, Manchu, and Mongolian ethnic groups. While preserving traditional Chinese construction techniques, the craftsmen successfully adapted them to meet the religious needs of Tibetan Buddhism, creating a unique architectural style. Among Beijing's historic monuments, Yonghe Temple remains one of the city's most significant architectural treasures.