Yonghe Temple, located in the northeast corner of Beijing, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist temples in the city. It was originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng and later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Yonghe Temple is not only a religious building but also a cultural symbol of Beijing, rich in historical and cultural connotations, and an important window to understand Chinese religious culture. The architectural style of Yonghe Temple blends the characteristics of Han Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, with a large number of Buddhist statues, Thangka paintings, and precious artifacts enshrined within. Among them, the Maitreya Buddha in the Wanfu Pavilion is a major highlight of Yonghe Temple. It is carved from a single piece of sandalwood, standing at 26 meters tall, and is one of the world's largest Buddhist statues carved from a single piece of wood. The Yonghe Temple complex is divided into three parts, with the middle section being relatively well-preserved, including three archways, a screen wall, a plaza, and more.
1.The three archways are important entrance markers of the Yonghe Temple complex. They embody the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese architectural art, with exquisite structures and delicate carvings, serving as an important window for visitors to understand ancient Chinese architectural culture.
2.The screen wall is a unique form in traditional Chinese architecture, typically used to block views, add spatial hierarchy, and decorate and beautify the space. Its unique design and artistic sense add a sense of solemnity and mystery to the entire complex.
3.The plaza is a place for gathering, resting, and holding various religious and cultural activities within the Yonghe Temple complex. The openness of the plaza and the compactness of the buildings form a striking contrast, making the entire complex visually more harmonious and unified.
History of Yonghe Temple
Due to Emperor Qianlong being born here and producing two emperors (Yongzheng and Qianlong), Yonghe Temple is known as the "Dragon's Latent Auspicious Place." Its palace halls have the same specifications as the Forbidden City's imperial palace, featuring yellow tiles and red walls. Historically, Yonghe Temple played an important role in strengthening the relationship between the central government and the Mongolian and Tibetan regions, contributing to multicultural exchange and national unity. Emperor Qianlong converted Yonghe Temple into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery to consolidate centralization. Yonghe Temple is not only a sacred place for Buddhist beliefs but also a center for Tibetan Buddhist culture, art, and academic exchanges. Many eminent monks have resided and preached here, promoting the spread and development of Tibetan Buddhism in the Central Plains.
1.Early Construction: Yonghe Temple was first built in the 33rd year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1694), when Emperor Kangxi constructed a residence here and granted it to his fourth son, Yinzhen, later known as the Yongqing Prince's Mansion.
2.Upgraded to Imperial Palace: In the third year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign (1725), Emperor Yongzheng upgraded the Yongqing Prince's Mansion to an imperial palace and renamed it Yonghe Temple.
3.Conversion to Monastery: In the ninth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1744), Emperor Qianlong converted Yonghe Temple into a Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monastery and specially appointed ministers to manage its affairs, making it the center for the Qing government to oversee Tibetan Buddhist affairs nationwide.
Culture of Yonghe Temple
1.Tibetan Buddhist Holy Site: Yonghe Temple is an important center for the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the Central Plains. The temple enshrines numerous Buddhist statues and religious artifacts, such as the Maitreya Buddha statue in the Wanfu Pavilion and the statue of Tsongkhapa in the Fahlun Hall, which are outstanding representatives of Tibetan Buddhist art.
2.Dharma Assemblies and Activities: Yonghe Temple regularly hosts various Buddhist dharma assemblies and cultural activities, such as prayer dharma assemblies and life-releasing dharma assemblies, promoting the dissemination and exchange of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
3.Architectural Culture: Yonghe Temple's architectural style is unique, blending the architectural art characteristics of Han, Manchu, Tibetan, Mongolian, and other ethnic groups. The overall architectural layout is rigorous and magnificent, with each building intricately carved, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship. Especially the Maitreya Buddha statue in the Wanfu Pavilion, which is the tallest indoor wooden Maitreya Buddha statue in the world, showcases the pinnacle of Tibetan Buddhist sculptural art.
Touring Route (Central Axis Tour):
1.Zhaotai Gate (Mountain Gate):
The south gate of Yonghe Temple, namely Zhaotai Gate, is the main entrance to the temple.
2.Tianwang Hall:
Passing through Zhaotai Gate, one is greeted by a Tianwang Hall. Inside the hall are statues of Maitreya Bodhisattva and the Four Heavenly Kings.
◆Daxiongbaodian (Yonghe Palace Hall):
Behind Tianwang Hall is Daxiongbaodian, also known as Yonghe Palace Hall, which is the center of the entire temple and enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.
3.Yongyou Hall:
Exiting Daxiongbaodian and proceeding north, one arrives at Yongyou Hall. This is where the plaques of successive royal family members are enshrined. It also enshrines the Medicine Buddha and Green Tara, making it a sacred place for visitors to pray for health and peace.
4.Fahlun Hall:
North of Yongyou Hall is Fahlun Hall. Here, a statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is enshrined, making it an important place for believers to worship. Visitors can turn the prayer wheels inside the hall to pray for themselves and their families.
5.Wanfu Pavilion (New Wanfu Pavilion/Scripture Hall):
Behind Fahlun Hall is the New Wanfu Pavilion, also known as the Scripture Hall. Inside the pavilion are precious Tibetan Buddhist scriptures and artifacts, including Thangka paintings, Buddhist statues, murals, and more. Here, the world's largest sandalwood Buddha statue, the Maitreya Buddha, standing at 26 meters tall, is enshrined, making it one of the landmark attractions of Yonghe Temple.
Basic Information
Opening Hours
Winter and Spring (November 1st to March 31st): 09:00-16:30
Summer and Autumn (April 1st to October 31st): 09:00-17:00
Location: No. 28 Yonghe Temple Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tickets
Ticket Price: 25 yuan per person
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