It is located at the northeast corner of the city, considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China. It is always important part of Classic China travel when come to Beijing city. Built initially in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, this building was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng when he was just a prince. However, in 1744 the Qing Dynasty formally changed the status of the dwelling to that of a lamasery, and so it became the national centre of Lama administration.

Knowing its history is helpful for yourBeijing day trips. Yonghe Lama Temple was originally used as the official residence for court eunuchs of the Ming dynasty. It was converted to the royal court of Prince Yongzheng during the Qing dynasty, in the 33rd year (1693) of Emperor Kangxi's reign. In the 3rd year of Yongzheng's reign (1725), it was elevated to an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital, and its name was changed to Palace of Eternal Peace (Yonghegong). During the 9th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1744), it was dedicated for use as a Lama Temple. See all ancient Chinese Temples.

The following details describe the main building inside Lama Temple. At the south courtyard stand three high monuments, a huge screen wall and two stone lions. Passed through monuments, a pavement leads you to Zhaotai Gate (the gate of Lama Palace) in the north. Inside the gate stand Bell Tower and Drum Tower on both sides. A huge copper pan by the side of Drum Tower weighs 8 tons which was used to cook La Ba Congee (eaten on the eightn day of the twelfth lunar month). To the north is an octagonal tablet which describes the history of Lama Temple.
?Grand Hall once was the place which was used to receive civil and military officials. In the north of the hall shrine three 2-meter-high sculptures of Buddha. They are Sakyamuni, Medicine Guru Buddha and Amita Buddha. North of Grand Hall is Yongyou Hall which is the location for lamas for reading scriptures and holding Buddhist ceremonies. In the center of the hall is a Buddha which was carved out of sandalwood. In center of Falun Hall is a Buddha with the height of 6.1 meters which is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Tsongkhapa. This bronze statue was completed in 1924 and cost 200,000 silver dollars. Behind the Tsongkhapa is an Arhat Hill containing 500 Arhats all elaborately carved out of padauk. You can have China day tours here together with Tiananmen Suare, Forbidden city.