Top 10 Cultural Treasures at Yonghe Temple (with Bracelet Blessing Guide)

1. Wanfu Pavilion – Giant Maitreya Buddha: World's Largest Sandalwood Sculpture

This 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha is Yonghe Temple’s most iconic treasure. Carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, 18 meters stand above ground with an 8-meter base underground. The folds of the robe are smooth and natural. The Buddha holds a Dharma wheel in the left hand and makes a “fearless” gesture with the right. Sunlight from the skylight enhances its grandeur.

• Experience Tips:

Best Photo Spot: View the Buddha face-to-face from the second-floor balcony.

Hidden Detail: Look under the lotus seat to spot 12 small Buddhas symbolizing the “Twelve Links of Causation.”

2. Dharma Wheel Hall – Tsongkhapa Statue: Symbol of Tibetan Wisdom

This 6.1-meter statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, wears a yellow hat and holds scriptures and a sword. Behind is a golden mural of the Pure Land made from hundreds of gold foils that reflect light beautifully.

• Experience Tips:

Ritual to Try: Walk around the statue clockwise three times while chanting “Om Ah Hum” for wisdom.

Don’t Miss: 500 miniature arhats carved from red sandalwood, each with unique expressions—like a wood sculpture museum.

3. Yongyou Hall – Green Tara Embroidered Thangka: Peak of Intangible Heritage

This 2.4-meter-high thangka uses “layered embroidery,” stacking silk to create a 3D effect. Green Tara holds a lotus flower and sits on a lotus base. Every detail, from clothing folds to jewelry, is crafted with incredible precision.

• Experience Tips:

Viewing Tip: Shine a phone flashlight from the side to see the embroidery depth.

Bonus Find: A printed copy of the Heart Sutra handwritten by Emperor Qianlong is also inside the hall.

4. Zhaotai Gate – Bronze Censer: Hidden Blessing Code

This 4.3-meter-high three-legged censer was cast during Emperor Qianlong’s reign. Decorated with dragon-cloud patterns, its handles are shaped like the mythical beast Pulao. Touching its ears is said to improve hearing and awareness.

• Experience Tips:

What to Do: Insert your lit incense into the burner and silently repeat your wish three times for “strong support.”

5. Yin’an Hall Ruins – Marble Base: Emperor Yongzheng’s Hidden Power Spot

Though the building is gone, the white marble base remains, carved with intricate dragon heads. It’s said that rubbing the dragon heads brings a change of fortune.

• Experience Tips:

Historical Vibe: Close your eyes and imagine Emperor Yongzheng reviewing memorials here—a quiet moment of imperial reflection.

6. Blessing Room – Scripture Rubbings: A Take-Home Blessing

The blessing room offers hand-printed scripture rubbings like the Heart Sutra and Great Compassion Mantra, stamped with Yonghe Temple’s red seal—great souvenirs.

• Experience Tips:

Recommended Pick: Choose the Green Tara mantra rubbing. Comes with a wooden scroll—perfect as a gift or keepsake.

7. Tantric Hall – Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara: A Mystical Sight

This 2.2-meter statue has four arms, each holding a different item—symbolizing pacification, growth, love, and protection. The golden background uses a traditional technique called “powdered gold paste.”

• Experience Tips:

Blessing Ritual: Hold your hands in prayer at your forehead and chant the “Six-Syllable Mantra” three times for peace.

8. Sutra Lecture Hall – Prayer Wheel Wall: Touch Faith with Your Fingertips

Twenty bronze prayer wheels line the wall, inscribed with the Heart Sutra. Spin clockwise, but only touch the lower part—avoid touching the scripture directly.

• Experience Tips:

How to Pray: Chant “Om Mani Padme Hum” as you spin, feeling the sacred text flow through your fingers.

9. Kalachakra Hall – Sand Mandala: A Microcosm of the Universe

Made from colored sand, this 1.5-meter-wide mandala represents Mount Meru and the four continents. It’s re-created yearly, making it a rare “temporary artwork.”

• Experience Tips:

Viewing Rules: No touching or flash photography. Keep at least 1 meter away.

10. Temple Gift Shop – Ash-Glazed Bead Bracelets: Full Guide to Sacred Items

• How to Get One:

Arrive before 7:30 a.m. to line up. Popular styles (like green for career or red for health) often sell out early.

After choosing your bracelet, monks will bless it in the ceremony room next to Wanfu Pavilion (limited to 200 visitors per day).

• Wearing Rules:

Remove before bathing or during intimacy. Avoid hard impacts.

• Special Edition Tips:

“Perfect Ten” Set (10 colors): Reservation required. Represents blessings from all directions.

Ash-Infused Porcelain Bangle: Contains incense ash from the temple, ideal as a gift for elders.

Conclusion

From the world’s largest wooden Buddha to intricate embroidered thangkas and sacred relics, Yonghe Temple’s 10 national treasures reflect a perfect blend of history, art, and faith. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or first-time visitor, this guide unlocks a “royal-level” blessing experience—touching history within red walls and golden roofs, and taking home blessings with you.