Yonghe Gong (Lama Temple) Art Street

Overview

Yonghegong Art Street is a short commercial lane south of the Lama Temple selling Buddhist religious supplies, incense, prayer beads, Tibetan crafts, and spiritual art. It provides a colorful, aromatic prelude or postscript to a Lama Temple visit.

Highlights

• Incense Shops: Elaborate displays of hand-rolled Tibetan incense, prayer wheel accessories, and offering supplies.
• Prayer Bead Selection: Dozens of stalls selling mala beads in sandalwood, rosewood, bodhi seed, and semi-precious stones.
• Buddhist Art: Thangka paintings, bronze Buddha statues, and Tibetan prayer flags available for purchase.

History

The street developed organically to serve worshippers visiting the Lama Temple, growing from a handful of incense sellers into a full commercial strip catering to both devotees and tourists.

Visitor Tips

• Before the Temple: Walk through on your way to the Lama Temple to choose incense for offering (note: free incense is provided inside the temple).
• Bargaining: Prices are negotiable; compare several shops before purchasing.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.