Lama Temple

雍和宫

Beijing's largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temple, featuring stunning architecture, intricate woodcarvings, and a massive sandalwood Buddha. A spiritual and artistic masterpiece showcasing Buddhism in the imperial capital.

Things to do

• Explore the Hall of the Heavenly Kings — Admire the grand entrance hall with its towering statues of Buddhist deities and the iconic laughing Buddha figure.
• View the Sandalwood Buddha — Visit the famous 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of Tibetan sandalwood in the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses.
• Study intricate woodcarvings — Examine the temple's ornate wooden beams, doors, and architectural details showcasing masterful Tibetan and Chinese craftsmanship.
• Participate in incense burning ritual — Light incense sticks at various altar stations throughout the temple as a spiritual practice observed by local worshippers.
• Attend morning prayers — Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist chanting ceremonies held by resident monks during early morning hours.
• Browse the temple gift shop — Purchase authentic Buddhist prayer beads, thangka paintings, and religious texts sold by vendors on temple grounds.

Food to try

• Buddhist vegetarian cuisine — Try meat-free dishes served at nearby temple restaurants featuring tofu, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables prepared in traditional Buddhist style.
• Tibetan butter tea — Sample the traditional yak butter and salt tea beverage offered at temple-adjacent cafes, warming and energizing for visitors.
• Momos (Tibetan dumplings) — Enjoy steamed or fried dumplings with vegetable or meat fillings available at restaurants in the temple neighborhood.
• Sesame seed balls (jian dui) — Taste these glutinous rice flour pastries rolled in sesame seeds and filled with sweet red bean paste, sold by street vendors nearby.
• Mongolian hot pot — Experience communal dining with thinly sliced meats and vegetables cooked in simmering broth at numerous restaurants in the Dongcheng District.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove shoes in certain halls — Be prepared to remove footwear when entering inner sanctums and prayer chambers as a sign of respect in Buddhist spaces.
• Circumambulate clockwise — Walk around temples and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction, following Buddhist custom to accumulate spiritual merit.
• Avoid pointing at statues — Refrain from pointing fingers at religious images and Buddha statues, which is considered disrespectful in Buddhist culture.
• Best visit times — Go on weekday mornings before 10 AM to avoid large tourist crowds and experience the temple more authentically with practicing worshippers.