Yonghe Temple
Tibetan Buddhism·China·Active monastery and tourist attraction·17th century
Yonghe Temple, also known as the Yonghe Lamasery or Lama Temple, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelug school located in Beijing, China. Originally built as a prince's residence in the Qing dynasty, it was converted into a lamasery in the 18th century and became a major center for Tibetan Buddhist administration and practice in China. The temple is renowned for its impressive architecture, blending Han Chinese and Tibetan styles, and houses several remarkable artworks, including a colossal sandalwood statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1694 as a princely residence, later converted to a lamasery in 1744.
- ›It is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China proper.
- ›Served as the highest Buddhist temple in China during the middle and late Qing dynasty.
- ›Houses a 26-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.
- ›Features architecture combining Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.
- ›Played a role in Qing dynasty administration of Tibetan and Mongolian lama reincarnations.
Han Chinese, Tibetan
- Combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan Architectural Styles
- Statue of Maitreya Buddha Carved From A Single Piece of White Sandalwood
- Five-Hundred-Arhat-Hill Carved From Red Sandalwood
- Three Bronze Statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages
- Four-Language Stele Pavilion
- Cham Dance Rituals
Yonghe Lamasery, Lama Temple, Palace of Harmony and Peace
Kangxi Emperor, Yinzhen, Hongli, Ortai, Seventh Dalai Lama, Zhou Enlai, Lama Hu Xuefeng
- Converted Into the Residence of Prince Yong
- Birth of Hongli Within Its Grounds
- Coffin of Yongzheng Emperor Placed In the Temple
- Converted Into A Lamasery
- First Cham Dance Recorded
- Site of An Armed Revolt Against the Chinese Nationalist Government
- Closed As A National Monument
- Survived the Cultural Revolution
- Reopened To the Public
- Cham Dance Revived
About Yonghe Temple
Yonghe Temple, also known as the Yonghe Lamasery or Lama Temple, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelug school situated in Beijing, China. Its history began in 1694 when construction commenced on the site of a Ming dynasty eunuch residence, later converted into the princely dwelling of Yinzhen, the fourth son of the Kangxi Emperor. Yinzhen, who would ascend the throne as the Yongzheng Emperor, occupied the residence, which eventually became known as the 'Residence of Prince Yong of the First Rank'. The future Qianlong Emperor, Hongli, was born in this building in 1711.
Conversion to a Lamasery
Following Emperor Yongzheng's death in 1735, his coffin was temporarily housed within the complex. A pivotal transformation occurred in 1744 when the Qianlong Emperor decreed the conversion of the palace into a lamasery. This conversion was marked by the replacement of turquoise tiles with imperial yellow tiles and a formal Buddhist consecration ceremony in 1745. Subsequently, Yonghe Temple became a residence for numerous Tibetan Buddhist monks from Mongolia and Tibet, establishing itself as the national administrative center for Lama affairs.
Architectural and Artistic Significance
The temple's layout follows a prominent north-south axis, stretching 480 meters, and encompasses an area of 66,400 square kilometers. Its architectural style is a distinctive blend of Han Chinese and Tibetan influences. Key structures along the central axis include the Gate of Clarity and Prosperity, the Gate Hall of Harmony and Peace, the Hall of Harmony and Peace, the Hall of Everlasting Protection, the Hall of the Wheel of the Law, and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses. The temple is home to several celebrated artworks, including three bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages, the intricate Five-Hundred-Arhat-Hill carved from red sandalwood, and a colossal 18-meter tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, which was a gift from the Seventh Dalai Lama.
Historical Role and Modern Status
Beyond its religious functions, Yonghe Temple held administrative importance during the Qing dynasty, particularly in managing the reincarnation of Tibetan and Mongolian lamas through the Golden Urn system. The temple also witnessed historical events, including an armed revolt in 1929. After a period of closure following the Chinese Civil War, it was declared a national monument and reopened to the public in 1981. Today, Yonghe Temple operates as both a functioning monastery with an active community and a major tourist attraction in Beijing, drawing visitors with its rich history, impressive architecture, and significant Buddhist art.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Yonghe Temple?
Yonghe Temple began construction in 1694 as a residence for Prince Yong. It was later converted into a lamasery in 1744 by the Qianlong Emperor, becoming a significant center for Tibetan Buddhism in China.
What is the architectural style of Yonghe Temple?
The temple's architecture is a notable fusion of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. It is arranged along a north-south axis and features several main halls and pavilions.
What are some notable artworks within Yonghe Temple?
Key artworks include three bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages, the Five-Hundred-Arhat-Hill carved from sandalwood, and an 18-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha made from a single piece of white sandalwood.
What was the administrative role of Yonghe Temple during the Qing dynasty?
During the Qing dynasty, Yonghe Temple was the national center of Lama administration. Since 1792, it was also used by the Qing dynasty to manage Tibetan and Mongolian lama reincarnations through the Golden Urn system.
Is Yonghe Temple still an active monastery?
Yes, Yonghe Temple is currently an active functioning temple and a popular tourist attraction. It houses an active monastic community and is open to visitors.
When was Yonghe Temple reopened to the public?
After being closed for 32 years following the end of the Chinese Civil War, Yonghe Temple was reopened to the public in 1981.
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