If you only have the time, energy or inclination to visit one Temple in Beijing, make it Yonghegong or the Lama Temple. This incredibly colorful and vibrant building contains gorgeous frescoes and even has its own gardens.

Yonghegong is the largest and most perfectly preserved Lama temple in Han China. Yonghegong was first built during the Qing Dynasty and the building combines the architectural knowledge of the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan nationalities. Inside the building are superb examples of carving and carpentry. Sculptures are made from all kinds of weird and wonderful materials including gold, silver, copper, iron and tin. There are also wonderful Buddhas on display, one in particular is 26 meters high, but photography is prohibited. The Temple also contains many other cultural relics and pictures and is a fantastic display illustrating the splendor and variety of Buddhist art.

Opening hours: 09:00 to 16:00
How to get there: Bus 116, 13 and get off at the Yonghegong Temple Subway Station or, take the subway.