Lama Temple is Beijing's principal and largest Buddhist Temple. It was built in 1694, as part of the city wall for Emperor Yongzheng, before he ascended the throne in 1722.
Yongzheng’s son -- Emperor Qianlong -- sent for 300 Tibetan monks and 200 Chinese students and housed them in the palace in 1744. From then on, the dwelling served as a temple and monastery. Lama Temple is considered one of the greatest centers of Buddhism outside of Tibet.
Burning incense and bowing is a big part of Buddhist culture.
Photographing Buddha is not permitted, so I photographed parts of the temple interior in front of the golden Buddha statues.
The government has always been anti-religion, but has not been able to eliminate Buddhism. Interesting to see the life and activity around this temple.
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