Former imperial palaces like this one, built in 1694, were converted to religious sites according to Chinese tradition. The architecture and ornamentation of these buildings show the influence of Han, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan styles, and there's a striking 59-ft/18-m statue of the Maitreya (future) Buddha, carved from a single sandalwood tree. The temple was once an important center of Tibetan Lamaism, and some 200 monks still live, study and pray there. Daily 9 am-4 pm. Admission 25 yuan, audio tour 25 yuan. 12 Yonghegong Dajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Phone 6404-4499.
