Buddhist Girl’s Double “Ning” Encounter: A Plateau Buddha Light

Sisters! Who says Buddhist-style travel is just about chasing internet-famous spots? This time, this “anti-competitive practitioner” unlocks two hidden gems with “Ning” in their names—Xining’s Buddha light reflecting the plateau sky, and Xiangning’s ancient buildings preserving millennia of culture. Neither is superior, but each offers a comforting strength. This “Ning”-style healing guide will help you unlock two ways to embrace the Buddhist spirit! 🏔️【Qinghai · Xining Ta’er Monastery】 📍Location: No. 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province (25 km from downtown, accessible by taxi/bus) 🎫Tickets: 70 RMB/person, half price for students ⏰Opening Hours: 08:00–16:30 (arrive early to catch the stunning moment of morning light shining on golden tiles) ✨Core Essence: The echo of faith on the plateau As the birthplace of Master Tsongkhapa, the sacredness here is ingrained in the bones—the 12.5-meter-high silver stupa inlaid with gold and jewels, wrapped with khatas reaching the top, shines with devout light under the sun; the Eight Treasures and Wish-Fulfilling Stupas stand in a row, the long hair of devotees and chanting voices intertwine, and the scent of butter lamps fills the courtyard, instantly calming the restless heart. The butter flowers born in the cold are a non-material cultural heritage miracle, crimson monk robes weave through the halls, eyes as clear as Qinghai Lake—this is the grandeur and purity of the Northwest Plateau. 💬Buddhist Girl’s OS: “At Ta’er Monastery, faith is a visible shock—the wind carries millennia of devotion, making you slow down and reconcile with yourself.” 🏯【Shanxi · Xiangning: Millennia of Zen Charm in an Ancient City】 📍Key Spots: Shousheng Temple (next to Dongjie Primary School in the county town) + Qianfo Cave (on the northern bank of the E’he River, halfway up the mountain in Yingli Village) 🎫Tickets: Completely free! (A joy for budget travelers and a blessing for ancient architecture fans) ⏰Opening Hours: Shousheng Temple 08:30–17:30; Qianfo Cave 09:00–17:00 (morning visits recommended for optimal lighting for photos) ✨Core Essence: The sediment of time beside everyday life Xiangning, an ancient city with over 2,000 years of history, is as quiet as if time itself favors it. The Song and Jin dynasty relics at Shousheng Temple are stunning! The main hall’s original beam structure and exquisitely crafted dougong brackets and flying eaves have no elaborate decorations but reveal the beauty of ancient architecture in every joint; the iron bell from the fourth year of Jintaihe is about 2 meters tall, with the “Rebirth Mantra” inscription enduring millennia, and its ringing sound transcends time with Sanskrit tones. Not far away, Qianfo Cave is even more extraordinary. The stone grottoes carved during the Sui and Tang dynasties are embedded in huge rocks, with 951 statues full of spirit and form. The main Buddha’s face is delicate, the drapery smooth, and the reliefs of worshippers recreate a thousand-year-old ritual procession. After tiring from sightseeing, turn around to the county’s lively street food: hollow mooncakes so flaky they crumble, he’er noodles with chili sauce so fragrant you want to stomp your feet, and locals say “Xiang tai tai li” (so delicious), the most genuine healing. 💬Buddhist Girl’s OS: “In Xiangning, I realized Buddhist style isn’t about escaping life, but the peaceful coexistence of ancient buildings and everyday warmth—this thousand-year history is all hidden in unhurried time.” Two kinds of “Ning” beauty, two healing answers—some prefer the grandeur of plateau Buddha light, others are enchanted by the gentle years of the ancient city. Xiangning’s preciousness lies in this low-key yet profound historical sedimentation~