Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
8.8Friend Score / 10#2 of 14 Attractions in Beijing
Known forlama templeyonghegongtibetan buddhist templemaitreya buddha
Beijing's most atmospheric working temple — a Tibetan Buddhist complex where locals genuinely come to pray, incense included with your 25 CNY ticket. The 18-meter Maitreya Buddha carved from a single sandalwood trunk is jaw-dropping. Book a timed slot ahead via WeChat, or bring your passport to the window.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 09:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Yonghegong Lama Temple station (Lines 2 and 5), Exit C — the temple is steps away |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings; the 1st and 15th of each lunar month are busiest with worshippers (atmospheric but packed) |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.8/10- Value9.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility9.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is Lama Temple a real working temple or a tourist attraction?
- Genuinely working — it's the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet, with resident monks and a steady stream of local worshippers, especially students praying before exams. Be respectful: hold incense at forehead height, bow three times, don't photograph people praying.
- What's the big deal about the Buddha statue at Lama Temple?
- The Maitreya Buddha in the final hall stands 18 meters tall and was carved from a single white sandalwood tree — it holds a Guinness record. Photos are forbidden inside the halls, which honestly makes people actually look at it.
- When is Lama Temple busiest?
- Weekends, public holidays, and the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, when worshippers arrive in force — plus Chinese New Year, when queues are enormous. A weekday at 9am opening is calm and thick with incense smoke.
- How long does Lama Temple take to visit?
- About an hour to move through the five main halls at a respectful pace, ninety minutes if you linger. The complex runs front-to-back along one axis with side exhibition halls of Tibetan Buddhist art worth a look.
- How much is Lama Temple and what's included?
- 25 CNY flat, and it includes a free bundle of incense at the entrance — a nice touch almost no other temple does. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- How do I get to Lama Temple by subway?
- Yonghegong Lama Temple station on Lines 2 and 5 — take Exit C and you're practically at the gate. It's one of the easiest major sights in Beijing to reach.
- Do I need to book Lama Temple tickets in advance?
- Yes — there's now a timed-entry system, booked via the official WeChat mini-program. Foreigners can also buy at the window with a passport, but on busy days slots run out, so booking a day ahead is the safe play.
- Can I combine Lama Temple with other sights?
- Absolutely — the Confucius Temple and Guozijian are a five-minute walk down leafy Guozijian Street, and Wudaoying Hutong (cafes, small shops) is right there too. Together they make a perfect half day.
Nearby in Ask Beijing
- Wudaoying HutongNeighborhood0.11 km · 1 min walk
- Metal Hands CoffeeCafé0.17 km · 2 min walk
- Barista & Co.Café0.24 km · 3 min walk
- Voyage Coffee (Wudaoying Hutong)Café0.25 km · 3 min walk
- Confucius Temple and GuozijianMuseum0.32 km · 4 min walk
Where to stay near Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
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