Yonghe Temple (Beijing) — Independent Cultural & Visiting Guide

A former Qing princely residence turned Tibetan Buddhist temple, Yonghe Temple features axial courtyards, exquisite timber architecture, and vivid polychrome decoration—creating a solemn yet welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Beijing.

Visitor Guide

Architectural Highlights

  • Imperial craftsmanship: painted beams, brackets, carved details
  • Procession of halls along a north–south axis; serene courtyards
  • Bells & drums invite slower, mindful movement through the grounds

Visitor Etiquette

  • Dress modestly; speak softly; follow signs and visitor flow
  • Photography rules vary—always check on-site notices
  • Be respectful around incense/offerings; do not touch relics

Practical Tips

  • Hours/admission may change; verify on site or via official notices
  • Weekends/holidays are busier; consider early morning visits
  • Weather can affect queues and outdoor areas—plan accordingly

Cultural Understanding

"Consecration" (Cultural Significance)

Often a symbolic dedication of statues or ritual objects—best understood today as intention and respect, not material efficacy. This page does not provide ceremonies or bookings.

Blessings & Remembrance

Prayers for the living and remembrance for the departed express care and ethical commitment. Many people pair remembrance with compassionate actions in daily life.

Temple Layout

Forecourt Zhaotai Gate Front Courtyard Yonghe Gate Hall Middle Courtyard Yonghegong Hall Rear Courtyard Falun Hall Drum Tower Bell Tower West Side Hall East Side Hall 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Schematic · Not to scale · Colors and positions are schematic only

Legend

  1. Memorial Archway
  2. Imperial Carriage Pathway
  3. The Mansion of A Jia Rinpoche
  4. Zhaotai Gate
  5. Drum Tower
  6. Bell Tower
  7. West Stele Pavilion
  8. East Stele Pavilion
  9. West Side Gate
  10. East Side Gate
  11. Yonghe Gate Hall
  12. Four-Language Stele Pavilion
  13. Exoteric Hall
  14. Esoteric Hall
  15. Shilun Hall
  16. Medicine Hall
  17. Yonghegong Hall
  18. Yongyou Hall
  19. West Side Hall
  20. East Side Hall
  21. Falun Hall
  22. Jietai Building
  23. Panchen Building
  24. Wanfuge Pavilion
  25. Yansui Pavilion
  26. Yongkang Pavilion
  27. Yamudaga Building
  28. Zhaofu Building
  29. Suicheng Hall
  30. West Shunshan Building
  31. East Shunshan Building
  32. Toilet
  33. Buddhist Product Store
  34. Ticket Office
  35. Reception Office
  36. Tourist Service Center
  37. Consecration Room

Tip: Edit the text on the right to rename locations. Match the data-key numbers with the markers on the map to enable highlighting.

Photo Gallery

Courtyard and eaves
Courtyard calm & historic rooflines (licensed photo)
Decorated beams and brackets
Painted beams and bracket details (licensed photo)
Bell and drum area
Soundscape of bells and drums (licensed photo)

Use your own or properly licensed images; credit the source in captions if required.

From home, you can still pay respects: Create a cloud memorial Explore symbolic items

Independent services; not affiliated with Yonghe Temple.

This page is an independent cultural & visiting guide. It is not religious instruction or an event agency, and it is not affiliated with Yonghe Temple. Information may change; please refer to on-site and official announcements.