The Lama Temple is the most atmospheric religious site in Beijing and a vivid contrast to the empty grandeur of the imperial palaces. Built in 1694 as a residence for a Qing prince who later became the Yongzheng Emperor, it was turned into a lamasery in the eighteenth century and is still a working temple, so you share its courtyards with monks and with worshippers lighting incense and bowing before the altars. A series of halls rises in steps from south to north, each grander than the last, decorated in the reds, golds and deep blues of Tibetan Buddhism, with prayer wheels, painted beams and gilded statues. The climax is the final pavilion, which houses a towering standing Maitreya Buddha carved from a single trunk of sandalwood. Across the road, the quiet Confucius Temple and the old Imperial Academy make a peaceful pairing. This page links to a Viator booking for both temples, with tickets only or a guide, rated 5.0 from 11 reviews.
How to visit: the Lama Temple sits beside Yonghegong station, on Lines 2 and 5 of the metro, in the northeast of the old city. It is open daily from the morning until the late afternoon; check the closing time before you go, as hours can be shorter in winter. Entry is inexpensive, and tickets are valid only on the date you choose and checked by QR code at the gate, so book ahead for weekends. The Confucius Temple across the road is closed on Mondays, so visit both from Tuesday to Sunday. The Viator option lets you book tickets alone or add a guide for about four hours across both temples.
What to expect: this is an active place of worship, so dress modestly, speak quietly and do not photograph inside the halls where signs forbid it. The courtyards are paved and fairly flat, with steps up to each hall. Allow an hour to ninety minutes for the Lama Temple alone.
Making the most of it: go in the morning, when the incense smoke hangs in the courtyards, then cross to the Confucius Temple and walk the hutong lanes nearby, which are lined with shops selling incense and Buddhist goods.
What to expect
The experience
A walk north through a series of courtyards and halls in an active Tibetan Buddhist temple, ending at the pavilion of the giant sandalwood Buddha.
Best time
A weekday morning, when the incense is burning and the courtyards are calmer than at weekends.
How long
An hour to ninety minutes for the Lama Temple, and up to four hours with the Confucius Temple and a guide.
Tips
Book a dated ticket ahead, dress modestly, respect the no-photography signs inside the halls, and skip Mondays if you want the Confucius Temple too.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers interested in religion, art and living tradition rather than empty palaces.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the colour, the prayer wheels and the giant Buddha; keep voices low for the worshippers.
- Couples
- Pair it with a stroll through the quiet lanes to the Confucius Temple and a tea in a nearby courtyard cafe.
- Pair with
- The Confucius Temple across the road, then the hutongs around the Drum Tower to the west.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, or half a day with the Confucius Temple.
Good questions
How do I get to the Lama Temple?+
Take the metro to Yonghegong station, on Lines 2 and 5, and the temple entrance is a short walk away. It is in the northeast of the old city, close to the Confucius Temple.
Do I need to book the Lama Temple in advance?+
Booking ahead is wise, especially at weekends, because tickets are issued for a specific date and checked by QR code. A partner booking avoids the Chinese-language systems.
Is the Lama Temple still a working temple?+
Yes, it is an active Tibetan Buddhist temple with resident monks and many worshippers. Dress modestly, speak quietly and follow the photography signs.
What is the giant Buddha at the Lama Temple?+
The final pavilion houses a towering standing Maitreya Buddha carved from a single trunk of sandalwood. It is the temple’s most famous treasure.
Is the Confucius Temple open on Mondays?+
No, the Confucius Temple across the road is closed on Mondays. Visit from Tuesday to Sunday to see both temples on the same trip.
