Lama Temple is the foremost Tibetan Buddhist temple outside the snowy ranges of Tibet. Located in the city center with convenient traffic, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Beijing.

Lama Temple is not very large which features five main halls and five courtyards (Hall of the Heavenly Kings, Hall of Harmony and Peace, Hall of Everlasting Blessings, Hall of the Dharma Wheel and Pavilion of Infinite Happiness) with beautifully decorative archways, upturned eaves and carved details.

Five Main Halls in Lama Temple
Enter via Yonghe Gate, the main entrance to the monastery, is first hall in Lama Temple, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. In the center of the hall there is a statue of the Maitreya, the prophesied future Buddha. And there are Four Celestial Kings standing as guardians around the Maitreya.

The Hall of Harmony and Peace is laid 3 statues of Buddhas, including Sakyamuni (Buddha of the Present), Kasyapa Matanga (Buddha of the Past) and Maitreya Buddha (Buddha of the Future). It is said the Sakyamuni is the founder of Buddhism, an Indian before he became a Buddha.

Hall of Everlasting Blessings once was the bedding-room for the Emperor Yongzheng when he was the prince and lived in the monastery. Now this hall contains the Buddhas of longevity and medicine. Visitors come here to pray for good health to themselves, theire friends and family.

Through Hall of Everlasting Blessings, you will see the Hall of the Dharma Wheel. It is very different the halls we have visited, with strong Tibetan style in architecture and decoration. In the middle of the Hall of the Wheel of Dharma stands the 6 meters high statue of the smiling Tsong Khapa (1357-1419), the founder of the Yellow Hat sect of Buddhism.

The Pavilion of Infinite Happiness is the last main hall, also the highest hall in temple. It is most beautiful building in temple with three floors and two smaller pavilions. The most interesting in this hall is the big statue of Sakyamuni, carved by huge sandalwood. This statue is 18 meters in height above ground, 8 meters in diameter and 8 meters buried underground, which is one of the Guinness Book of World Records.

It goes without saying that Lama Temple is a great place for a relaxing stroll, and you shouldn't forget to check out the revolving prayer wheels to pray for good fortune.