Lama Temple ( Yonghegong  or Palace of Peace  or Yonghegong Lamasery ), located in central Beijing, is the largest lamasery in  the northeast part of Beijing city.

ID：018-1972 Lama Temple: the most popular of Beijing's temples 　 　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

Lama Temple building, with its unique blend of Chinese and Tibetan architecture, was originally constructed in 1694 as a home for court eunuchs. Once completed, however, it served as a court for Prince Yong, who later became Emperor Yongzheng. In 1744 the palace was converted into a lamasery and then became the national center of Lama administration.

Lama Temple features five large halls and five courtyards with beautifully decorative archways, upturned eaves and carved details. It houses a treasury of Buddhist art, including sculptured images of gods, demons and Buddhas, as well as Tibetan-style murals.

ID：018-1973 Lama Temple: the most popular of Beijing's temples 　 　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

The Yonghegong is one of Beijing's more curious temples, having started life as a residence for a crown prince of the emperor. But, in 1723, after the death of the prince, much of the palace was turned over to the monks.

The Hall of Harmony and Peace is the main hall. It houses three Buddha statues and 18 arhats. The west wall is covered by a picture of Avalokitsevara, with its thousands of eyes and hands. Several other halls contain more statues of Buddha and his arhats. Prince Yong’s crystal coffin lies in his old room, now the Hall of Everlasting Protection, along with a huge statue of the healing Buddha.

ID：018-1955 Lama Temple: the most popular of Beijing's temples 　 　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

The temple’s most prominent feature is the 18-meter high statue of Buddha in the last building. Unbelievable though it sounds, the enormous statue (and its base, buried beneath the ground) was carved from a single piece of sandalwood, given to Emperor Qianlong by the Dalai Lama in 1750.the statue holds the world record for the largest Buddha statue carved from a single tree.

Lama Temple is absolutely beautiful, and it is one of the most popular of Beijing's temples.

ID：018-1974 Lama Temple: the most popular of Beijing's temples 　 　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

  (CCNPIC Nancy Wu)