***
N. China
Day 11 - 9th November - Beijing: Lama Temple (Part 2)
Complex entrance
Entrance from the carpark
Yonghegong (Lama Temple) information panel
As you can imagine, this is very important to China to cement its claim on Tibet.
Pathway in
I like how the entrance to the complex-proper has 4 languages on it, including Khitan (rightmost)
Gathering to burn incense
Lion
West Pavilion, 1744
Turtlish creature in pavilion
Stele on its back
Yonghe Gate
A hall
"Do not throw incenses or coins"
I'm guessing paper money is alright.
Tree with no more leaves - but the fruit are still here
"Esoteric Hall", 1744
I saw a monk in a robe with canvas shoes and ankle socks.
Lion and Turtles
Yonghedian
Yonghedian interior
Ceiling hanging
Through the window
West Side Hall, 1744
Prayer drum. I turned it clockwise and the next guy did that too.
I hope I did it correctly, or I'd have spun away all my luck.
Falundian
Side view of Falundian statue
Bench with study lights
Ceiling niche decor
Mural
Wanfuge plaque, 1748-50
Wanfuge Buddha
Guinness Plaque for the Maitreya Statue (above) "carved out of a single white sandalwood tree 26 metres high"
Say "cheese"
There were some artefacts on display, and Tibet Buddhist stuff was quite different but I had no time (I still wanted to visit the Old Summer Palace) and was getting a little jaded, so I only took a forbidden photograph of one.
Cakrasamvara, 18th century
I liked this as it showed one being in the arms of another
There were some statues of famous monks. They held long pipes in their hands, like hookahs.
Jie Tai, with the 6th Baichen's mannikin in a lecturing pose. He looked as fake as Mao.