Lama Temple, Beijing

No, this has nothing to do with the "llama", the animal. According to some wiki on the web, a "lama" is a Tibetan or Mongolian teacher of Buddhism. No surprises there. I did see a couple of Buddhas inside the compound.

The Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple; Yonghe Lamasery) is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing. It was built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as the residence of the Emperor Yongzheng (the third emperor of the Qing Dynasty) before he ascended the throne. In the year 1744, the residence was completely converted into a lamasery.

I didn't write the previous paragraph. I needed a description of the place so I got it off some website.

After breakfast, I and my colleague took the line 2 subway and got off at the Lama Temple station. The place was very busy with the locals and some tourists. Here are pictures that I took today.

Click on the pictures to see the full image.

A store selling incense


More stores selling incense


Entrance to the Lama Temple


Buying tickets - ¥25 to get in. Audio guides are optional.


Locals and tourists lining up to get tickets


The Bell Tower


More Details


Ringing the Bell


Lighting the Incense


The Worshippers


Taking pictures is also not allowed


A peek inside the hall


More Incense


A closer look


As you leave, you can buy souvenirs