Established in 1694, Yonghegong Lama Temple was originally the royal residence for Yong-Zheng in ancient China before he came to throne. Later Emperor Yong-Zheng moved out so the place was rebuilt to a lamasery, naming after his name. Yonghegong Lama temple became the center to deal with Lamaism matters. At present it is the biggest and the best-preserved lamasery in Beijing.

Architecturally Yonghegong Lama Temple is a combined fusion of Tibetan, Mongolian and native Chinese, and with high artistic value. Inside the biggest hall in Yonghegong—Wan Fu Ge, there is a Buddha woodcarving, which is 18 meters tall made of sandalwood and is a statue of world record. Yonghegong Lama Temple had been severely damaged and it was not until 1981 that it was reopened to the public.

For tourists’ information, photo-taking is not allowed in all buildings of Yonghegong.

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