Yonghe Lama Temple welcomes an impressive 40,000 visitors each day, occupying a modest area of 66,000 square meters. To put that into perspective, the Forbidden City spans 720,000 square meters but accommodates the same number of daily visitors. Given its popularity, here’s what you need to know before you go:
1️⃣ Do You Need to Make a Reservation?
Yes, you can make a reservation in advance through the official WeChat account “雍和宫游客信众服务” (Yonghe Lama Temple Visitor Service). Don’t forget to bring your ID! If you forget your ID, you can still buy a ticket on-site for 25 RMB per person. Arrive early—doors open at 9:00 AM, but ticket checks start at 8:30 AM. The earlier you go, the fewer people you’ll encounter.
2️⃣ Do You Need to Buy Your Own Incense?
No need. Complimentary incense bundles are available at the entrance. You’ll receive one bundle per person, which should be enough for your entire visit. Simply light three sticks at each hall entrance.
3️⃣ How to Purchase Ritual Items (Fa Qi)?
Yonghe Lama Temple has three locations where you can purchase ritual items. One is outside the temple, to the west of the ticket check entrance (no ticket required). The other two are inside the temple, near Zhaotai Gate and to the west of the Mahavira Hall. The stores operate from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, but they usually stop admitting people two hours before closing due to the high volume of visitors. It’s a crowded experience, so it’s advisable to decide in advance what you want to buy. Once you’re at the counter, make your purchase quickly and move on.
4️⃣ How to Perform a Blessing Ceremony (Kai Guang)?
The blessing ceremony is free. After purchasing your ritual items, or if you have brought your own jewelry, head to a small room where a master will perform the Kai Guang ritual. The ceremony takes about three minutes, but the wait in line can be 20 minutes or more. Note: Items blessed in the ceremony should not be worn while bathing or sleeping.
5️⃣ Order of Prayers
- Yonghe Hall: Wealth
- Falun Hall: Career
- Wanfuge Pavilion: Peace
- Guanyin Bodhisattva: Children/Marriage
- Yongyou Hall: Protection from evil and harm
- Suicheng Hall: Health and longevity
- Other Halls: Wisdom and success in all endeavors
6️⃣ Tips for Making Wishes
It’s important not to wear a hat when making a wish. Clearly state your name and be specific with your wishes. Don’t be greedy by asking for too much at once, and avoid making unrealistic requests. Stay focused and sincere.
7️⃣ Handling Incense
If the incense catches fire, don’t blow it out with your mouth—use your hand to gently wave it out. (In Buddhism, it’s believed that the air from your mouth is impure and could taint the incense.) Hold the incense with your left hand on top and right hand underneath, raising it above your head while making your bow.
8️⃣ Sequence of Worship
At each hall, start in the center, then move to the left, and finally to the right. Avoid stepping on the thresholds.
9️⃣ Parking
Parking is challenging. Finding a spot is difficult, and the nearest parking lot is about a kilometer away. It’s better to take the subway or a taxi.
🔟 What to Wear
Avoid wearing bright or revealing clothes. It’s best to dress in plain, modest colors.