After completing the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop with a friend, I stayed in Xining for a day. We specifically visited Ta'er Monastery, the birthplace of Lama Tsongkhapa. The entrance fee was 70 yuan, and we hired a tour guide at the entrance. For groups of 1-5, the fee was 160 yuan. It was okay. The tour guide was truly fascinating, allowing us to understand the entire monastery's itinerary and the relationships between the historical figures. It gave us a deeper understanding. Simply visiting the monastery would have been meaningless, just a casual stroll. Having a tour guide was indeed a great idea. It allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage. Ta'er Monastery is especially noteworthy because the pagoda came first, and the temple later, hence the name. The three wonders of Ta'er Monastery are thangkas, pile sculptures, and butter sculptures. And then there's Lama Tsongkhapa.