Yonghegong Lamasery
Located on the northeast corner of
Beijing, Yonghegong is the largest and most perfectly
preserved lama temple in Han china. It was first built
in 1694 by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty for his
forth son-prince Yongzheng who later succeeded to the
throne. It was slowly converted from a palatial residence
into a lamasery by 1744. Monks from Mongolia and Tibet
moved in and it has been a Buddhist Temple even since.
The dimensions of the temple are magnificent,
which have five courtyards in a row. The front structural
layout in the temple is bright and spacious dotted with
screen walls with carved murals, lifeless things and
decorated archways. The interior pavement leading to
the main halls and the evergreen pine and cypress appear
to be rather peaceful and secluded in the environment.
The back structural layout is composed of a cluster
of buildings. Halls and pavilions are intermingled,
with upturned eaves and ridges beautifully interwoven,
all presenting a picturesque sight.
First officially opened to the tourist
in 1981, Yonghegong now has become a main attraction
in Beijing. It is one of the best places for exploring
religious culture in china.
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