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Lama temple : tickets

Good afternoon

Arriving Beijing midday on Sunday and would like to visit the Lama Temple in the afternoon. Do we need to book tickets in advance, or can we just make our way to the temple and buy at the entrance?

Advice appreciated

Jennifer

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is one of Beijing’s most popular and well-maintained Buddhist temples. It is open to visitors year-round and does not generally require advance booking for regular admission. You can easily buy tickets at the entrance upon arrival.

Ticket Purchase Options:

  • On-site purchase: You can buy your entry ticket directly at the main gate. The ticket office accepts cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. It is very straightforward and rarely involves long waits, even on weekends.
  • Online booking (optional): Some travelers prefer to book online via Chinese ticketing platforms such as the official “Lama Temple” WeChat mini program or cultural travel apps. However, this is not mandatory and primarily used by locals.

Opening Hours and Timing:

  • Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry around 3:30 PM).
  • Closed on major holidays only (for example, Chinese New Year Eve).
  • Visiting in the afternoon, such as after midday on Sunday, is perfectly fine. The temple is usually less crowded later in the day.

Entrance Fee:

  • Ticket price: approximately 25 RMB per person.
  • Children and students may receive discounts if they bring valid ID.

How to Get There:

The Lama Temple is centrally located in Beijing and easy to reach by public transport. The most convenient option is the subway—take Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Station, and use Exit C. The temple entrance is about a 3-minute walk from the station.

Additional Tips:

  • Dress modestly as it is an active place of worship.
  • Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas but not inside the main halls.
  • Allow around 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed visit.

In summary, you do not need to book in advance. You can simply go to the Lama Temple and buy your ticket at the entrance. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon should not be a problem, and you will still have plenty of time to explore the temple’s beautiful courtyards and statues.

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