What to Do After Lama Temple: A Local Guide to Beijing’s Hutongs, Cafés, and Food
- Jun 13
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple or Yonghegong, is one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Beijing. It is not only a famous Tibetan Buddhist temple, but also a former royal residence from the Qing Dynasty. With golden rooftops, red walls, quiet courtyards, and the smell of incense in the air, Lama Temple feels very different from Beijing’s larger palace attractions.
For many visitors, Lama Temple is a perfect half-day stop. But the best part is that the neighborhood around it is also worth exploring. If you are wondering what to do after Lama Temple, you are actually in one of the best areas in Beijing for hutongs, cafés, local food, and slow walks.
A Brief History of Lama Temple
Lama Temple was originally built in 1694 as the residence of Prince Yong, who later became the Yongzheng Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. After he became emperor, the residence was converted into a temple and later became one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet.
The temple combines Han Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan architectural styles, which makes it especially interesting for travelers who want to understand Beijing beyond the usual tourist sights. Inside, you will find prayer halls, incense burners, Buddhist statues, and one of the most famous highlights: a huge wooden statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood.
Highlights Inside Lama Temple
Lama Temple is not a place to rush. The beauty is in the details: the layered rooftops, quiet courtyards, incense smoke, and the way locals come here to pray.
One of the most special things to notice inside Lama Temple is its famous “Seven Treasures”. These are not just beautiful objects — they also show the temple’s royal history, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and high level of craftsmanship.
Some of the most important highlights include the giant sandalwood Maitreya Buddha statue, the Five-Hundred-Arhat Hill, delicate bronze Buddhist statues, traditional thangkas, ritual objects, ancient inscriptions, and the unique mix of Han Chinese and Tibetan-style architecture.
For first-time visitors, many of these details are easy to walk past without noticing. This is why a guided visit can make the experience much more meaningful.
With Bite Escape’s Lama Temple guided visit, you will not just “see” the temple — you will understand the stories behind it: why it was connected to the Qing emperors, how Tibetan Buddhism became part of Beijing’s history, what locals pray for here, and which details are truly worth stopping for.
Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours inside the temple. If you enjoy history, religion, architecture, or photography, joining a guided visit is a great way to slow down and see Lama Temple with more depth.
Basic Information
Subway: Take Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station. The temple is a short walk from the station.
Ticket: 25 RMB
Opening hours: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm from April to Oct; 9:00 am- 4:30 pm from Nov to Mar
Best time: Weekends and public holidays can be busy.
Etiquette: Lama Temple is an active religious site. Dress respectfully, keep your voice low, and it is best not to photograph Buddha statues or prayer halls.
What to Do After Lama Temple
Once you finish visiting Lama Temple, do not leave the area too quickly. This part of Beijing is one of the best neighborhoods for a slow afternoon. Here are some of the best things to do after Lama Temple.
1. Walk Around Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同
Wudaoying Hutong is just a short walk from Lama Temple. Compared with some of Beijing’s more commercial hutongs, Wudaoying still feels relaxed and easy to explore.
You will find small boutiques, lifestyle shops, cafés, vintage-style stores, local restaurants, and quiet corners for photos. It is a nice place to wander without a strict plan. Just walk slowly, look into the small shops, and enjoy the mix of old Beijing lanes and creative modern spaces.
If this is your first time in Beijing, Wudaoying Hutong is a great introduction to hutong life in a more visitor-friendly way.
2. Stop for Coffee/Tea Near Lama Temple
If you are looking for a break after walking through the temple, the Lama Temple area has some excellent cafés and traditional tea houses.
Metal Hands铁手咖啡 is a popular choice for coffee lovers. It has a clean, modern style and is a good place to sit down after visiting the temple. Urban Green is another nice option if you want something relaxed and stylish nearby.
For a more special view, Fuding Coffee福鼎咖啡 is worth considering. Its third-floor terrace offers a view toward Lama Temple, making it a great place to take a slow coffee break and enjoy the atmosphere of the neighborhood.
If you prefer a more traditional Chinese experience, Chawuwei Teahouse (茶味茶舍) near Lama Temple is also a great choice. Instead of a quick coffee stop, you can slow down with a cup of Chinese tea, experience a quieter atmosphere, and enjoy a more authentic Beijing lifestyle. It is especially suitable after visiting the temple, as the combination of temples, tea culture, and old neighborhood streets creates a more immersive cultural experience.
This is one of the reasons the area is perfect for travelers who like slower, more local experiences. After the temple, you can simply sit with coffee or tea and watch Beijing life pass by.
3. Join a Hutong Bun-Making Experience
If you want to do something more hands-on after Lama Temple, a bun-making experience is a fun and memorable choice.
Bite Escape offers a hutong bun-making experience where you can learn how to make Chinese buns in a local setting. Instead of just eating Beijing food, you get to touch the dough, learn about the fillings, shape your own buns, and enjoy them fresh after steaming.
This is especially good for families, food lovers, and travelers who want a cultural activity that feels warm, simple, and personal. It is also a great way to connect Lama Temple with a deeper hutong experience nearby.
After or before visiting a historic temple, making buns in a hutong gives you a very different side of Beijing: everyday life, local flavors, and hands-on culture.
4. Try Local Food Around Lama Temple
The area around Lama Temple is also full of great food options, from noodles and dumplings to hotpot, Beijing snacks, and small local restaurants hidden in the hutongs.
If you want an easier way to explore the local food scene, you can join Bite Escape’s hutong food tour. Instead of choosing random restaurants, the tour takes you to places locals actually enjoy, with a relaxed walking route through the neighborhood. The experience ends at a hidden hutong brewpub, where you can slow down with a local craft beer and enjoy a more casual side of Beijing nightlife.
For travelers who prefer to explore by themselves, Bite Escape also has a Beijing food map guide. It is organized around major attractions, with food recommendations near famous places like Lama Temple, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. It is a helpful little guide if you want to know where to eat before or after sightseeing, without falling into tourist-trap restaurants.
5. Visit Ditan Park
Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth Park, is another great place to visit after Lama Temple. It is much quieter than many of Beijing’s major attractions and is loved by locals.
Historically, Ditan was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the Earth. Today, it is a peaceful public park with old trees, walking paths, traditional architecture, and local daily life.
You may see people walking, dancing, practicing tai chi, singing, or simply relaxing. If you want to experience Beijing at a slower pace, Ditan Park is a beautiful stop after Lama Temple.
It is especially nice if you want a calm walk after the incense, crowds, and energy of the temple.
Suggested Half-Day Route
Start your morning with Bite Escape’s hutong bun-making experience, where you can make and taste fresh Chinese buns in a Beijing hutong.
In the afternoon, walk around Wudaoying Hutong, explore small shops, and stop for coffee at Metal Hands, Urban Green, or Fuding Coffee.
After that, visit Lama Temple and take time to enjoy its courtyards, Buddhist halls, and Qing Dynasty history. For a deeper experience, you can join Bite Escape’s guided Lama Temple visit.
In the evening, finish the day with Bite Escape’s hutong food tour, which takes you to local food spots and ends at a hidden hutong brewpub.
Final Thoughts: What to Do After Lama Temple
Lama Temple is one of the best places to start exploring old Beijing, but the experience should not end at the temple gate. The surrounding area is full of small details that make Beijing special: quiet hutongs, independent cafés, local food, hands-on culture, and peaceful parks.
If you are wondering what to do after Lama Temple, stay in the neighborhood. Walk slowly, drink coffee, make buns, try local food, and visit Ditan Park. This part of Beijing is not about rushing from one attraction to another. It is about feeling the rhythm of the city.
For travelers who want a deeper and more local experience, Bite Escape can help you turn a simple Lama Temple visit into a full cultural day in Beijing.
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