The Lama Temple (Yonghegong) is Beijing's largest and most Tibetan-influenced Buddhist lamasery, famous for its 18-meter tall sandalwood Buddha and golden imperial roofs. Next door lie the Confucius Temple and the Imperial College (Guozijian), where Ming and Qing emperors personally lectured to scholars — a serene, little-visited contrast to the Forbidden City's crowds.
All three sights sit within a short walk of one another on the same historic hutong street, yet arriving by car — and being dropped at each gate — saves time and heat. Our Lama Temple + Confucius Temple private car pairs perfectly with a walk along the tree-lined Guozijian street. From $80 for an 8-hour city charter.
Distances & Driving Time
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing hotel → Lama Temple (Yonghegong) | 5-15 km | 20-40 min |
| Lama Temple → Confucius Temple / Guozijian | ~0.5 km | 5-10 min walk |
| Confucius Temple → Nanluoguxiang hutong | ~2 km | 10 min |
| Lama Temple → Capital Airport (PEK) | ~25 km | 40-50 min |
Lama Temple + Confucius Temple Private Car Rates
8-hour city charter with professional driver. Fixed price — no hidden fees. Best in the morning when the lamasery is quiet and incense smoke drifts over the courtyards. Overtime at $10/hour.
| Vehicle | Seats | Full-Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| VW Passat / Toyota Camry | 1-3 seats | $80 ~¥576 |
| Buick GL8 (MPV) | 4-6 seats | $120 ~¥864 |
| Mercedes V-Class | 7-8 seats | $200 ~¥1440 |
Why Choose Our Private Car
- Visit three adjacent historic sights without walking between them
- Driver waits while you explore temples and the Imperial College
- Best quiet-hour morning timing
- Easy add-on: Nanluoguxiang or hutong lunch
- Fixed pricing, no hidden fees
- All fuel, tolls, parking and bottled water included
Suggested Lama Temple + Confucius Temple Itinerary
Highlights & Options
🙏 Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Popular1.5-2 hours Tibetan lamasery
A former imperial residence turned lamasery. Don't miss the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Fortunes housing the 18-meter carved sandalwood Maitreya Buddha.
📚 Confucius Temple
Best45 min Imperial sacrifices
Where Qing emperors offered sacrifices to Confucius. The grounds of stone steles and ancient cypresses are wonderfully peaceful.
🏛️ Imperial College (Guozijian)
Easy45 min Top academy
The highest imperial academy of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a circular glazed-glass lecture hall. A highlight of old Beijing's scholarly quarter.
What's Included
Included
- Private sedan / MPV for the full day
- Professional, English-friendly driver
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Bottled water
- Flexible timing in the morning
Not Included
- Lama Temple ticket (~$8/person)
- Confucius Temple + Guozijian ticket (~$6/person)
- Lunch
- Licensed guide
- Tips