Which one to choose in Beijing
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) vs Temple of Heaven
Two temples in Beijing. Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) has 34 tickets and tours to book; Temple of Heaven has 108 tickets and tours to book. The table and the two notes below put them side by side; the full pages have what to see, the ticket and the timing for each.
Beijing, China
The basic purchase at the Lama Temple is a timed entry ticket, and in recent years Beijing's main sights have required advance real-name booking with a passport number, so buying ahead online is the safest way to make sure you get in on the day you want. Several resellers offer the same entry with a QR code, a digital audio guide or a booking service for visitors who cannot use Chinese payment apps; the ticket itself includes a small bundle of incense sticks for offerings.
Guided products come in a few forms. Short private walks of three to four hours combine the temple with the Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy, which stand across the street, and often end with tea or dim sum.
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Beijing, China
The Temple of Heaven sits in a large walled park in southern Beijing, and the ticketing reflects that. A cheap park-only ticket lets you walk the grounds; the through ticket, the one most visitors want, adds the three main ceremonial buildings: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. Tickets are sold in advance online under real-name registration, so you need your passport details to book and the passport itself at the gate. Prices are slightly lower in winter.
Online products fall into a few groups. Ticket resellers handle the booking for you, which is useful if you cannot use the Chinese apps.
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