Lama Temple

Yonghe Temple or Yonghe Lamasery, fondly called Lama Temple, is a monastic complex for monks of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in the 17th century, it is distinctly different from other temples. This is a functional temple where you can find hoards of locals and tourists lighting incense and offering prayers in each and every corner. The temple offers free incense stick packet to everyone who enters. Most of the time, tourists mimic how locals pray, that is kneel down with burning incense sticks in their hand and offer prayers in all the directions, in front of every hall. It is quite interesting to see everyone bowing down in different directions. The temple complex entrance is usually covered with thick smoke coming out of all the burning incense. Sometimes the smell is quite overwhelming. (Burning of incense is put on hold in case of strong wind conditions.)