The Lama Temple, Yanghegong, has a long and varied history, but is now a typical Tibetan Monastery. Having been closed for many years during the Cultural Revolution it was refurbished and reopened in 1980. Zhou Enlai is said to have saved it from destruction during that time. It is now a working monastery with Mongolian Monks.

The temple was originally built in 1694 as the residence of the son of the Qing Emperor, Kangxi. When the son became emperor in 1723 he moved to the Forbidden City and his home was converted into a lamasery, a
monastery for Mongolian and Buddhist Monks as it remains today.

Lama Temple is extremely popular with residents and visitors who come to worship. As one strolls the ground fragrant incense permeates the air.

The temple is laid out on the north-south axis and is composed of five halls and three gates as well as several courtyards.

Each hall has a Buddha more spectacular than the last. In the fifth hall the Buddha is seventy five feet high and was carved from one piece of Tibetan sandalwood.

While at the temple refrain from photographing any of the monks without their permission. There is no photography allowed of the interiors of the halls.