Yonghe Temple, situated in the northeast part of downtown Beijing, is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing and one of the most important lama temples in the world. It was built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as the residence of the Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne. During the 9th year of Emperor Qian Long's reign (1744), the residence was completely converted into a lamasery. As a famous site of the Lama Buddhist sect, the temple attracts many pilgrims and travelers every day. Based on the belief that incense offerings should be made as early as possible to improve one's luck for the coming year, thousands of worshippers congregate outside the temple on Chinese New Year's Eve waiting to rush inside on the stroke of midnight.[China.org.cn/VCG]

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