Your Guide to a Lama Temple Walking Tour

China Explorer Tour

·October 11, 2025

·11 min read

Planning your visit to the Lama Temple is simple. You can prepare for your trip with the essential information for 2025.

Entrance Fee: 25 CNY per person Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily

This famous lama site was once an imperial prince's residence. Your entry ticket grants you access to an amazing cultural experience. The lama temple beijing culture walking tour price makes this tour accessible for everyone. This lama temple is a must-see on your tour.

Key Takeaways

Plan your visit to the Lama Temple. You can buy tickets online or at the gate. Check the temple's hours before you go.
The Lama Temple is easy to reach. You can take the subway or a bus. The subway station is right next to the temple.
The entrance fee is 25 CNY. Children, students, and seniors can get discounts. Guided tours cost extra but offer more learning.
Follow a self-guided route. You can see the main halls and three special treasures. These treasures include a large Buddha statue.
Show respect at the temple. Dress modestly and follow rules for photos. You can light incense and spin prayer wheels.

Planning Your Lama Temple Visit

A successful tour of the Lama Temple begins with good planning. You can easily arrange your visit with a few simple steps. This preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cultural tour.

Ticket Booking

You can buy your entry ticket at the temple's entrance. You can also book your ticket online ahead of your visit. This is a great way to save time.

The official WeChat account, '雍和宫游客信众服务' (Service for Visitors to Yonghe Temple), is the only online platform for purchasing a ticket.

Temple Hours

The Lama Temple has different hours depending on the season. You should check the schedule before your tour to confirm the opening times. This helps you plan the perfect day.

Regular Season: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Low Season: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Special Events: Hours may change for festivals, so it is wise to check in advance.

Getting to the Temple

Reaching the famous lama site is very convenient using Beijing's public transport.

By Subway 🚇 The subway is a fast and easy option. The station is right next to the temple complex.

Take Line 2 or Line 5 to the Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Station.
The station has six exits (A, B, C, E, F, G).
Clear signs will guide you from any exit to the temple entrance.

By Bus 🚌 Several bus routes also stop near the lama temple. You can find the best route for your tour.

Bus Routes	Stop Name
13, 84, 116, 117	Yonghegong Station
Special 2, 18, 62	Yonghegong Bridge East

Lama Temple Beijing Culture Walking Tour Price

Understanding the lama temple beijing culture walking tour price helps you budget for an incredible day. Your costs can vary. You might choose a simple self-guided tour or a more immersive guided experience. This guide breaks down the pricing for your visit. The overall lama temple beijing culture walking tour price is quite affordable for such a rich cultural tour.

Entrance Fee in 2025

Your journey into the Lama Temple begins with a standard entry ticket. The ticket pricing is very reasonable.

The standard adult ticket costs 25 CNY. You can purchase your ticket at the entrance when you arrive. You can also book it online through the official WeChat account, '雍和宫游客信众服务', to save time.

The temple offers special ticket pricing for certain visitors. You may qualify for a discount. Check the table below to see if you are eligible for a reduced price or free admission.

Category	Discount	Conditions
Youth (6-18 years old)	Half Price (12 CNY)	Requires valid ID
Students (elementary, middle school, undergraduate)	Half Price (12 CNY)	Requires valid student ID
Seniors (above 60 years old)	Half Price (12 CNY)	Requires valid ID
Children (no older than 6 or no taller than 1.2 meters)	Free	Valid ID required for children over 1.2m

Guided Tour Costs

A guided tour can transform your visit from simple sightseeing into a deep learning experience. The lama temple beijing culture walking tour price for a guided option varies widely. Private tours on platforms like Viator or Tripadvisor can cost around $160. These often cover just the basic history.

For a better value and a more meaningful tour, consider our Private Beijing Spiritual Tour.

Our Price: $95 per person.
Our Value: This tour offers much more than a standard walk-through. You will participate in a real Buddhist blessing ritual and learn the deep meanings behind the lama temple's sacred symbols. This guided tour provides an authentic connection to Beijing's spiritual heart. The lama temple beijing culture walking tour price for this unique tour offers exceptional value.

Choosing a specialized tour ensures you get the most out of your visit. The right guided tour makes all the difference.

Souvenirs and Other Expenses

You will find many beautiful items inside the Lama Temple's official gift shops. The lama temple beijing culture walking tour price does not include these personal purchases.

A popular souvenir is a blessed bracelet. These items carry spiritual significance and make for a wonderful keepsake of your tour.

Many small shops inside and around the lama temple complex may prefer cash. You should bring some Chinese Yuan for souvenirs, snacks, or donations. This preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience during your tour. This final part of your tour completes a memorable day at the famous lama site.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Route

Embarking on a self-guided tour allows you to explore the Lama Temple at your own pace. You can fully absorb the spiritual atmosphere and stunning architecture. This path is designed to guide you through the temple's most significant attractions, ensuring a complete and enriching experience. This section of the tour focuses on the key halls and cultural relics in lama temple.

The Ideal Hall-by-Hall Path

You can follow a logical route through the temple complex. This path takes you from the entrance northward through each major hall. This tour ensures you see all the main attractions in a sequential order.

Entrance and Incense: You will begin your tour at the main gate. After your ticket check, you can collect complimentary incense near the Zhaotai Gate.
Yonghe Gate Hall (Hall of Heavenly Kings): Your first stop is this hall. It was once the main entrance. Here you can offer prayers for peace and happiness.
Yonghegong Hall (Hall of Harmony and Peace): You then proceed to the temple's main worship hall. This building was once the living quarters of a prince who became an emperor.
Yongyou Dian (Hall of Everlasting Protection): This hall was also the emperor's former residence. You can visit it for blessings of protection.
Falun Dian (Hall of the Wheel of the Law): You will find this hall is a primary place for monks to chant. It is a great spot to pray for career success. The stunning architecture here is a perfect blend of styles.
Wanfu Ge (Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses): Your tour continues to the tallest building in the complex. You can seek blessings for your family and relationships here.
Conclusion: You can conclude your visit at the Hall of Perfection for overall good fortune before exiting.

Key Temple Highlights

The Lama Temple houses three incredible artistic masterpieces. These are known as the "Three Treasures." Seeing them is one of the main tour highlights. A self-guided tour gives you plenty of time to appreciate these wonders.

The Three Treasures of the Lama Temple
The 500-Arhat Mountain
The Nanmu Buddha Niche
The 18-meter Sandalwood Maitreya Buddha

The 500-Arhat Mountain: You will find this sculpture in the Hall of the Wheel of the Law. It stands behind the main statue of Tsongkhapa. The mountain is made from five metals: gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. It features 500 small figures of Arhats in different poses. In front of it, you will see a wooden basin. Legend says this basin was used to wash the infant Emperor Qianlong.
The Nanmu Buddha Niche: Located in the Hall of Everlasting Protection, this treasure showcases incredible craftsmanship. The entire niche is carved from rare 'Gold-rimmed Nanmu' wood. Inside, you can see a detailed carving of 99 lifelike dragons. This is one of the most impressive tour highlights.
The 18-meter Sandalwood Maitreya Buddha: The final treasure is the most breathtaking. You will find it inside the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses. This giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha stands 18 meters (59 ft) tall above the ground. It was carved from a single, massive white sandalwood tree. An additional 8 meters (26 ft) of the trunk are buried underground for stability. The Seventh Dalai Lama gave this tree to Emperor Qianlong as a gift. It took three years to transport the log to Beijing and another three years to carve it. This makes the lama temple a must-visit destination.

Unique Architectural Styles

The stunning architecture of the Lama Temple is a major part of its appeal. The buildings show a perfect mix of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. This fusion creates a unique visual experience for your tour. Even without a guided tour, you can appreciate the beautiful details.

The Hall of the Wheel of the Law is a fantastic example of this blended architecture. You will notice its five small stupas on the roof, a feature of Tibetan lama temple design. The overall structure, however, follows Han Chinese palace architecture.

You will also see vibrant colors everywhere. The roofs feature yellow glazed tiles, a color once reserved only for the emperor. The walls and eaves are painted with specific colors that have deep meaning in Buddhist culture.

Red symbolizes power and protection.
Blue signifies purity and wisdom.
Green represents accomplishment.
Gold denotes divinity and preciousness.

This stunning architecture makes every corner of the lama complex photogenic. The blend of styles and colors provides a rich backdrop for your cultural tour. A guided tour can offer deeper insights, but the beauty of the architecture speaks for itself.

Guided Tour Options in Beijing

While a self-guided walk is enjoyable, a guided tour can transform your visit into a truly memorable experience. A guided tour offers a deeper connection to the history and culture of the Yonghe Temple.

Why Choose a Guided Tour

You might wonder if a guided tour is worth it. A knowledgeable guide does more than just show you around. They provide a rich cultural experience that you might miss on your own. This enhances your visitor experience significantly.

One visitor noted, “I loved the way the guide explained the temples’ history and symbolism—it really brought the place alive.”

A guided tour offers unique benefits for your visit:

Guides bring the Yonghe Temple to life with stories not found in guidebooks.
They explain the temple's transformation from a prince's home to a monastery.
You gain a window into local culture and the spiritual life of Beijing.
A guided experience saves you time and effort, creating a seamless tour.

China Explorer Tour's Spiritual Experience

For an exceptional experience, you can join our Private Beijing Spiritual Tour: Yonghe Temple Praying And Hutong Walk. This tour goes beyond typical sightseeing. It offers a chance to connect with the spiritual heart of the city. Your guided experience includes participating in a real Buddhist blessing ritual. You will learn the deep meanings behind the sacred symbols and architecture of the Yonghe Temple. This tour provides an authentic insight into Chinese Buddhism. After the temple, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through a historic Hutong alley. This tour is a perfect way to have a meaningful and unforgettable experience.

Booking Your Private Tour

Booking your private tour is simple. This special tour includes your entrance ticket and a professional guide. You can secure your spot for this unique experience and get ready for an amazing journey. To learn more about this spiritual tour and reserve your place, please visit the official tour page:

https://chinaexplorertour.com/trip/private-beijing-spiritual-tour-yonghe-temple-praying-hutong-walk/

Visitor Rules and Recommendations

You can ensure a respectful and smooth visit to the Lama Temple by following some simple guidelines. These tips for your visit will help you appreciate the sacred atmosphere of this active monastery. Understanding the local customs enhances your cultural experience.

Lama Temple Etiquette

The Lama Temple is a place of active worship. You should show respect for the monks and local devotees. Following proper etiquette is key to preserving the serene atmosphere. Here are some important tips.

Incense Ritual: You can light the complimentary incense at the large incense burner. You should face the main halls and hold the sticks high. Bow three times to show respect. This ritual is a way to send your prayers.
Prayer Wheels: You will see many copper prayer wheels. You can spin them in a clockwise direction. Please touch only the bottom rim as you turn them.
Donations: You may place any donations into the red donation boxes. You should avoid touching the Buddha statues directly.

The incense ritual has deep roots. Believers raise three joss sticks above their heads. This gesture symbolizes the sanqing, or three major Taoist deities. You close your eyes, pray, and bow. You repeat this three times.

Dress Code

Your clothing should be modest when you visit the lama temple. This shows respect for its religious importance. You should avoid wearing clothing that reveals your shoulders or knees.

Quick Tip: If your clothing is not suitable, you can rent a shawl at the entrance. The temple usually asks for a small refundable deposit of around 20 CNY.

This simple step ensures you can enter all halls without any issues. These tips for your visit help you prepare correctly for your day at this important lama site.

Photography Rules

You are welcome to take photos in the outdoor courtyards of the lama temple. However, there are rules for photography inside the halls.

You must not use flash photography inside any of the prayer halls. This is especially important during the monks' chanting sessions, which often happen between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Taking photos without flash helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere for everyone. Following these photography tips ensures a respectful experience for all visitors and worshippers.

Your Lama Temple tour will be a wonderful experience with good planning. You can choose a self-guided tour or a deeper guided experience. Our Private Beijing Spiritual Tour offers a unique cultural experience.

Respecting the rules enhances your visitor experience and the sacred atmosphere.

This must-visit destination provides a peaceful atmosphere and a memorable tour experience.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit the Lama Temple?

You should visit in the morning to avoid large crowds. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends and public holidays. This timing helps you enjoy a more peaceful and personal tour experience at this famous lama site.

How long should I plan for my visit?

You can expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Lama Temple. This gives you enough time to walk through the main halls, see the "Three Treasures," and absorb the spiritual atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Is the Lama Temple suitable for children?

Yes, the temple is a great place for families. Children often enjoy the large, open courtyards and impressive statues. The tour has a relaxed pace, making it an engaging cultural experience for visitors of all ages.

What else can I do near the Lama Temple?

You have many great options nearby after your tour. You can explore the trendy shops and cafes in Wudaoying Hutong. You can also walk past the historic Imperial Academy, which is right next to the temple.