One of the most beautiful temples in Beijing is a Tibetan Buddhist temple called the "Lama Temple". China's relationship with Tibet and its religion goes back further than the contemporary clashes, so this temple enjoys prominence in Beijing. Built in 1964 when it formed part of the city wall, it served as a residence for Yongzheng, the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi, before he ascended to the throne in 1722. Traditionally, the home of an heir to the throne would be turned into a temple after he had become ruler, or as in this case, after his death.
Yongxheng's son and successor, Qianlong sent for 300 Tibetan monks and 200 Chinese pupils and installed them in his father's old palace. The palace then served as a temple and monastery from 1744 to 1960 and is considered one of the most notable centers of Lamaist Buddhism outside Tibet.
During the Cultural Revolution the monastery was closed, with parts of it converted into a shoe factory. Red guards took over the complex, but the were forbidden to destroy or plunder it.
In spite of this, many monks were ill-treated and sent away to do manual labor in the countryside. In the early 1980s, the monastery was reopened and completely restored. More than 70 monks now live here in the rear part of the complex.
I don't know much about Buddhism, but I do like the smell of burning incense which was being offered to Buddha around the stunningly beautiful grounds of the Lama Temple.
One of the most beautiful temples in Beijing is a Tibetan Buddhist temple called the "Lama Temple". China's relationship with Tibet and its religion goes back further than the contemporary clashes, so this temple enjoys prominence in Beijing. Built in 1964 when it formed part of the city wall, it served as a residence for Yongzheng, the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi, before he ascended to the throne in 1722. Traditionally, the home of an heir to the throne would be turned into a temple after he had become ruler, or as in this case, after his death. 
Yongxheng's son and successor, Qianlong sent for 300 Tibetan monks and 200 Chinese pupils and installed them in his father's old palace. The palace then served as a temple and monastery from 1744 to 1960 and is considered one of the most notable centers of Lamaist Buddhism outside Tibet. 
During the Cultural Revolution the monastery was closed, with parts of it converted into a shoe factory. Red guards took over the complex, but the were forbidden to destroy or plunder it.
In spite of this, many monks were ill-treated and sent away to do manual labor in the countryside. In the early 1980s, the monastery was reopened and completely restored. More than 70 monks now live here in the rear part of the complex.
I don't know much about Buddhism, but I do like the smell of burning incense which was being offered to Buddha around the stunningly beautiful grounds of the Lama Temple. 
