Architectural Layout
The architectural layout of the Lama Temple strictly follows the regulations of Qing Dynasty royal temples while integrating Han and Tibetan architectural styles. The temple faces south, with seven courtyards arranged along the central axis, gradually rising from south to north, forming a pattern of 'rising step by step'. The main buildings include:
I. Southern Entrance Area
At the southernmost end of the temple are three archways. The central archway is a four-pillar, three-bay, nine-roof style with the inscriptions 'Huan Hai Zun Qin' and 'Qun Sheng Ren Shou', appearing magnificent. To the north of the archway is a screen wall, and further north is the main gate of the temple, Zhaotai Gate. Zhaotai Gate is a single-eave hip-and-gable roof building with five bays, serving as the first formal entrance to the temple.
II. First Courtyard: Hall of Heavenly Kings and Stele Pavilions
Passing through Zhaotai Gate, one enters the first courtyard. In the center is the Hall of Heavenly Kings, with five bays and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. Inside, the central statue is a seated Maitreya Buddha, flanked by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. In front of the hall, there are two stele pavilions on the east and west sides, housing the 'Stele Inscription of the Lama Temple' and the 'Stele of the Lama Theory' written by Emperor Qianlong. The inscriptions are carved in Manchu, Han, Mongolian, and Tibetan scripts, making them important historical materials for studying Qing ethnic and religious policies.
III. Second Courtyard: Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghe Hall)
Behind the Hall of Heavenly Kings is the second courtyard, with the main building being the Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghe Hall). The hall has seven bays in width and five bays in depth, with a double-eave hip-and-gable roof covered with yellow glazed tiles, making it one of the highest-ranking buildings in the temple. Inside, the central statue is a bronze Sakyamuni Buddha, about 2.5 meters tall, flanked by statues of the disciples Kasyapa and Ananda. On the east and west sides, there are numerous Tibetan Buddhist ritual implements and offerings, including gilt bronze five-piece altar sets and the Seven Treasures and Eight Auspicious Symbols. The Hall of Harmony and Peace is the main venue for major Buddhist ceremonies.
IV. Third Courtyard: Hall of Eternal Blessing (Yongyou Hall) and Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falun Hall)
Behind the Hall of Harmony and Peace is the third courtyard, with the Hall of Eternal Blessing (Yongyou Hall) and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falun Hall) arranged in sequence. The Hall of Eternal Blessing has five bays and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. It was originally the bedchamber of Emperor Yongzheng and after conversion enshrines the Medicine Buddha and Amitayus Buddha. The Hall of the Wheel of the Law is one of the core buildings of the temple, with seven bays in width and depth, a double-eave hip-and-gable roof, and a gilt bronze Dharma wheel on the top of the roof, symbolizing the eternal turning of the Dharma. Inside, the central statue is a bronze statue of Tsongkhapa, about 6 meters tall, the largest of its kind in Beijing. On the east and west walls, there are large murals depicting the 'Jataka Tales of Sakyamuni Buddha', with brilliant colors and smooth lines, representing the finest Qing Dynasty Tibetan Buddhist murals.
V. Fourth Courtyard: Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses (Wanfu Pavilion)
Behind the Hall of the Wheel of the Law is the fourth courtyard, with the main building being the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses (Wanfu Pavilion). This is the tallest building in the temple, with five bays in width and depth, a three-story pavilion style, about 30 meters high, covered with yellow glazed tiles. Inside, the central statue is a giant Maitreya Buddha carved from a single white sandalwood log. The statue is 18 meters above ground and 8 meters underground, totaling 26 meters in height, and is the treasure of the temple. On the east and west sides of the pavilion, flying corridors connect to the Yansui Pavilion and Yongkang Pavilion, forming a unique 'three pavilions in a row' layout, extremely rare in Qing royal architecture.
VI. Fifth Courtyard: Suicheng Hall
Behind the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses is the fifth courtyard, with the main building being Suicheng Hall. The hall has seven bays and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, and is the northernmost building of the temple. Inside, it enshrines statues of Amitayus Buddha, White Tara, and Green Tara, and serves as a place for monks' daily practice. On the east and west sides are side halls enshrining protective deities and statues of eminent monks of past generations.
