Lama Temple (雍和宮)

To be honest, Lama Temple was not in my original itinerary.  Yet, since it was on the same subway line as the Temple of Heaven, we decide to make a stop.  After all, as a true fan of the Chinese television series "Scarlet Heart" (步步惊心), I cannot skip a chance to visit the resident of Emperor Yongzheng when he was still Prince.  By the way, I can't wait to watch the sequel - "Scarlet Heart 2" (步步惊情)!

It's like entering a park rather than a residence...

How the place used to look like when it was still a residence of the prince.

Now it's a lama temple but the grandeur or the place remains.

guess what everyone is doing

throwing coins when there is a sign that clearly says "do not throw coins" of course...
This is how the Chinese people respect our National Treasures -.-|||

Gorgeous, gorgeous architecture

Just add a modern toilet + bathroom and I will be happy if I can stay in the servant quarters :P

The statue inside is a must-see!
It's simply amazing!

The place is massive even though it was only half of its original size.  (It's good to be a prince in ancient China... especially when you are born to a generous and rich Emperor...)  Although the truth behind the ascension to the throne of Emperor Yongzheng will forever remain a mystery, he is a good Emperor, which is what all peasants care about.  Likewise, I am very thankful to our first Prime Minister Zhou Enlai.  If not for him, this amazing architecture would have been long lost in the midst of the Cultural Revolution...

Lama Temple (雍和宮)

12 Yonghegong St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China

Tel: +86 10 6404 4499

Hours:  9:00 am ~ 4:30 pm