This is the most revered Tibetan Buddhist temple in China (outside of Tibet), and is a "must-see" for those in Beijing. It is a splendid temple, once the home of a Count who became Emperor. It has lovely gardens, frescos, and the woodwork is superb. We purchased and burnt incense in prayer for friends in need while there. Visiting this temple doesn't take too long, and is well worth the minimal effort.

This temple was declared a "National Historic Site" in 1949. Miraculously it survived the Cultural Revolution (most such sites didn't) so it provides one of few original Buddhist historical sites that is not a modern replica. This temple is still in operation as a Tibetan Lamasery as a showpiece of the government presenting an example of religious and cultural freedom.