Beijing Lama Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist holy place to explore history and culture💭📖

The Lama Temple is a historical and cultural landmark that cannot be missed in Beijing, especially for travelers interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture. As the highest-level Buddhist temple in the country during the middle and late Qing Dynasty, Lama Temple was not only an important center for religious activities, but also housed many precious Buddhist artworks and cultural relics. It integrates the essence of Han and Tibetan cultures and attracts countless domestic and foreign tourists with its profound historical heritage. In Lama Temple, you can not only feel the spiritual charm of Tibetan Buddhism, but also appreciate the exquisite carvings, murals and architecture in the temple, and gain a deeper understanding of the connotation and aesthetics of Buddhist culture. If you want to explore a tourist attraction that is both historical and culturally profound, Lama Temple is undoubtedly your first choice. The Lama Temple is one of the best-preserved and largest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing. This ancient building complex not only records the important history of the middle and late Qing Dynasty, but also displays the beautiful fusion of Han and Tibetan cultures. 🕊️Main attractions 1. Lama Temple Main Hall ✨The main hall of the Lama Temple was originally named "Yin'an Hall". Before it was converted into a Lama temple, it was the place where Prince Yong met with civil and military officials. Today, this hall has become the most important Buddhist hall in the temple, equivalent to the main hall of other temples. ✨Statues of the Three Buddhas: There are three bronze statues of the Three Buddhas, about two meters high, in the north of the main hall, divided into the following two groups: The Three Buddhas of the Past, Present and Future: Shakyamuni Buddha (center), Medicine Buddha (left) and Amitabha Buddha (right), symbolizing the omnipresence of Buddhism. The Three Buddhas of the Past, Present and Future: The Three Buddhas representing time, including Dipamkara Buddha (past), Sakyamuni Buddha (present) and Maitreya Buddha (future), symbolizing the eternal flow of Buddhism in time. In addition, bronze statues of Guanyin Bodhisattva and Maitreya Bodhisattva are enshrined in the northeast and northwest corners of the main hall, adding to the solemn religious atmosphere. 2. Lama Temple ✨The Lama Temple is located between two stone pavilions, and the plaque on it reads "Lama Temple" written by Emperor Qianlong. This gate is regarded as the "mountain gate" and "Heavenly King Hall" in Chinese Buddhist temples. ✨Sculpture in front of the gate: A pair of lifelike bronze lions stand in front of the gate, showing the delicate craftsmanship of the royal architecture of the Qing Dynasty. Buddha statues in the hall: On a gilded dragon-carved throne is a bare-chested and peacefully smiling Maitreya Buddha statue, symbolizing joy and hope. Four Heavenly Kings: On both sides of the Buddha statue are colorful statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. They are stepping on the evil spirits, majestic and solemn, demonstrating their responsibility and merit in protecting the world. Behind the Buddha statue is the guardian deity Skanda, who wears a helmet and armor, holds a weapon, and guards the peace of the entire temple. 3. Yongyou Hall ✨The Yongyou Hall is the first hall after the Lama Temple. Its architecture adopts the "visible five hidden ten" structure, that is, it looks like five rooms on the outside, but actually consists of ten rooms inside. Historical use: During the royal palace era, Yongyou Hall was Prince Yong’s study and bedroom; after being converted into a temple, it became a place for enshrining the coffins of former Qing emperors. Meaning: The name of Yongyou Hall is intended to pray that the soul of the late emperor can be blessed forever, which fully reflects the royal family's respect for their ancestors. 🧧The meaning of blessing in each temple🧧 😄Always happy and smooth: Lama Temple 💰Seeking wealth: Lama Temple 👹Exorcise evil spirits and eliminate disasters: Yongyou Temple 💼Increasing your career: Falun Hall 🙏🏻Pray for peace: Wanfu Pavilion Address: East of Lama Temple Street, Beijing (Apple Map/Amap) Opening hours: Winter and spring (November 1st – March 31st): 09:00-16:30 (ticket sales stop at 16:00, venue cleared at 16:30) Summer and Autumn (April 1 – October 31): 09:00-17:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:30, venue cleared at 17:00) Recommended playing time: 2-3 hours Suitable season for travel: All year round #Mainland Travel #Longhe Temple #Beijing