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The Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong is a famous lamasery located
in the northeastern part of the old city of Beijing. It
was a palatial residence built in 1694 by Qing Emperor Kangxi
for his fourth son, Prince Yongzheng who later succeeded
to the throne. This magnificent temple consists of five
main buildings lying on the north-south axis, with annex
halls standing on both sides.
The temple is listed by the Chinese
Government as one of the important historical monuments
under special preservation. After the death of his father,
Emperor Yongzheng moved to the Forbidden City- The compound
was closed to ordinary people and was renamed Yonghegong(the
Palace of Harmony).Green roof tiles were replaced by yellow
ones to suit a monarch's home. In l744 his successor Emperor
Qianlong converted the palace into a lamasery. Several renovations
have been carried out since liberation. The temple has taken
on a new look and was reopened to the public in 1981. It
is now not only a functional lama temple, but also a tourist
attraction.
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