Yonghe Temple
雍和宫
Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple and monastery located in the northeastern part of Beijing, China. Originally built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty as a residence for court eunuchs, it later became the residence of Prince Yong, who eventually ascended to the throne as Emperor Yongzheng. Following his reign, the building was converted into a lamasery in 1744, and since then, it has served as the national center of Lama administration. The temple complex is a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture with Tibetan influences, featuring magnificent halls, courtyards, and intricate statues. One of its most notable features is a massive, 26-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, which holds a Guinness World Record.
