“Ever heard of a palace turning into a temple?” That’s the curious tale of the Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. It stands before you now. This Beijing landmark has a unique past.
Once a residence for Qing dynasty princes, the Yonghe Temple evolved into a significant center for Tibetan Buddhism. Construction began in 1694. It was initially intended as an official residence. Later, it became home to Yinzhen, the fourth son of the Kangxi Emperor.
Yinzhen rose to power and became the Yongzheng Emperor in 1722. His former residence was then transformed into a palace. It was named the Palace of Peace and Harmony. After Yongzheng’s death in 1735, his coffin was placed here.
The Qianlong Emperor, Yongzheng’s successor, further changed the palace’s destiny. In 1744, he decreed that the Palace of Peace and Harmony should become a lamasery. This marked its official conversion into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The temple then became a hub for monks from Mongolia and Tibet. The Yonghe Lamasery became the national center of Lama administration.
Today, the Yonghe Temple is a captivating blend of Han Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. The temple follows a north-south axis. It stretches 480 meters long. You will notice five main halls. They are separated by courtyards. These halls include the Gate Hall of Harmony and Peace. Then there is the Hall of Harmony and Peace. Further along is the Hall of Everlasting Protection. Finally, you will see the Hall of the Wheel of the Law and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses.
Inside, you will discover a wealth of artwork and historical artifacts. The Hall of Harmony and Peace features three bronze statues. They represent the Buddhas of the Three Ages. The Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses holds a remarkable sight. It is an 18-meter-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The statue is carved from a single piece of White Sandalwood. This was a gift from the seventh Dalai Lama.
The Yonghe Temple also boasts two important steles. These were erected during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor. The steles are inscribed in Chinese, Manchu, Tibetan, and Mongolian. One stele marks the palace’s conversion into a monastery. The other discusses the proper conduct of Tibetan lamas.
Interestingly, the Yonghe Temple even has a connection to a martial tradition. It adopted the Cham dance, a Tibetan Buddhist ritual. It involves masked dancers and elaborate costumes.
Declared a national monument after the Chinese Civil War, the temple reopened in 1981. Now, the Yonghe Temple stands as both a functioning temple. It is also a popular tourist attraction. As you explore this unique site, remember its journey. From imperial residence to revered monastery, the Yonghe Temple embodies Beijing’s rich cultural heritage.