Yonghegong, also known as the Lama Temple (雍和宫), is both a historic Beijing attraction and an active place of worship. Allow time to walk through the courtyards and follow the temple’s visitor rules.

Tickets and visitor information

Start with the temple’s official website for notices and ticket information. Its booking page points visitors to a WeChat purchase option.

I couldn’t open some official pages during my source check, so confirm current prices, opening hours and passport booking requirements directly with the temple. If you can’t use the online system, ask its visitor service about other ways to buy a ticket.

A former palace and the main halls

Yonghegong was once the residence of the future Yongzheng Emperor. It later became a Tibetan Buddhist temple. That history helps explain the mix of palace-style courtyards and religious buildings.

The main visitor area follows a series of halls and courtyards. Look for Wanfu Pavilion (万福阁), which houses a large Maitreya Buddha carved from a single sandalwood log, as described in Beijing’s cultural guide.

Allow time to look at the buildings as well as the statues. Follow staff instructions about access and photography rather than assuming every hall can be visited in the same way.

A decorated entrance arch beneath autumn trees
A decorated entrance arch beneath autumn trees
Visitors in a courtyard outside a temple hall
Visitors in a courtyard outside a temple hall
A colourful temple arch under a blue sky
A colourful temple arch under a blue sky
A sign above a temple doorway
A sign above a temple doorway
A painted sign and roof beams above a temple hall
A painted sign and roof beams above a temple hall
A bronze lion beside a temple building
A bronze lion beside a temple building
Small sculptures along a temple roof
Small sculptures along a temple roof
Visitors outside a red temple hall
Visitors outside a red temple hall
Trees and a tiled temple roof above a red wall
Trees and a tiled temple roof above a red wall

Getting there

Save 雍和宫 and find the visitor entrance in your map app before leaving. Use the entrance shown in the temple’s current instructions and allow time for ticket checks.

Keep your booking details, identity document and a way to pay handy.

Visiting respectfully

Walk through the open courtyards without blocking doorways or people who are worshipping. Follow signs and staff instructions about incense, photography and access to individual spaces.

Permission to take photographs outside does not mean photography is allowed in every hall. If you’re unsure, ask before taking a picture. You can visit respectfully without joining in religious practices.

Incense smoke rising in a temple courtyard
Incense smoke rising in a temple courtyard
Light falling through incense smoke beside painted beams
Light falling through incense smoke beside painted beams
Visitors crossing a tree-lined temple courtyard
Visitors crossing a tree-lined temple courtyard
A temple roof framed by tree branches
A temple roof framed by tree branches
Decorative figures along golden roof tiles
Decorative figures along golden roof tiles
Roof figures beneath a persimmon tree
Roof figures beneath a persimmon tree
Golden roof tiles against a blue sky
Golden roof tiles against a blue sky

What to do afterwards

A meal or a nearby neighbourhood walk makes a relaxed next stop. Leave some time between the temple and any timed booking so you don’t have to rush.

Save your hotel address offline for the journey back. For a different Beijing outing with more open space, read my Summer Palace guide.

Orange persimmons hanging among autumn leaves
Orange persimmons hanging among autumn leaves
Persimmons beside painted temple eaves
Persimmons beside painted temple eaves
A persimmon tree against a blue sky
A persimmon tree against a blue sky
A close view of ripe persimmons
A close view of ripe persimmons
Ginkgo branches with yellow autumn leaves
Ginkgo branches with yellow autumn leaves
Sunlight through yellow ginkgo leaves
Sunlight through yellow ginkgo leaves
Ginkgo leaves and a temple roof
Ginkgo leaves and a temple roof
Tree shadows falling across a red wall
Tree shadows falling across a red wall

Sources and updates

Sources checked on 29 Oct 2026.

Check the latest official information for your travel date before making a booking.

Spotted a mistake? Let me know.