Trip Moments Recommendations
#Kumbum Monastery Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Do you think these check-in photos at Kumbum Monastery are good?
Walking in the Kumbum Monastery with more than 600 years of history, touching the scattered temples on the Lotus Mountain, appreciating the art of ancient architecture, and feeling the peace in the strong light and shadow. The lifelike butter flowers, vivid murals and colorful embroidery make up the 'Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery Art', which are amazing and stoppable.
Kumbum Monastery has a history of more than 600 years and covers an area of more than 600 acres. The temple buildings are distributed on the slopes of Lotus Mountain, with the temples scattered high and low, reflecting each other. The Dajinwa Temple in the center of the temple, with green walls and golden tiles, is brilliant and is the main building of the temple. The Buddha statues in the temple are vivid and beautiful, and they are sacred. The lifelike butter flowers, colorful murals and colorful embroidery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery Art'. The temple also contains many Buddhist scriptures and academic classics in history, literature, philosophy, medicine, and legislation.
Travel tips:
1. Kumbum Monastery is located in Xining, you can take bus 306 directly, open from 08:00-17:30.
2. Pay attention to dress requirements, you must wear long gowns and long skirts to enter.
3. There are many places in the temple where photography is prohibited, pay attention to the warning signs.
4. Try not to take pictures of local people or monks who are prostrating or turning scriptures.
Recommended check-in locations:
1. The city gate at the ticket check-in.
2. The 'Kumbum Monastery' sign in front of the right hand side of the white tower when you come in, as well as the turning cylinder and three towers further down the slope.
3. There are many pigeons here, you need to compose the picture in advance and wait for the pigeons to fly over, which really requires some luck and patience.
4. After entering along the main road, there are many red walls, white walls and stacked ancient buildings, which are very photogenic under the light and shadow.
Kumbum Monastery
The monastery in Xining is swarming with worshipping monks, amongst beautiful temples, full of colour and life! The surrounding town is quiet and peaceful, and the entry into the monastery is quick and easy. You can spend hours wondering around this beautiful site, it really feels like you're in another country.
I would always highly recommend visiting this amazing place, to see a direct contrast between Chinese ans Tibetan inspired architecture. Arrive early to ensure a quiet experience.
You can see the gold guilded temple, colourful flags, amongst countless statues of religious figures. It really is a remarkable place.
#culturalattractions
Welcome to Qinghai, China’s fourth largest province and home to towering mountains, stunning waterscapes and a variety of folk cultures.⠀
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We started our adventure in Xining (西宁), the capital city of the province on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau - and a city that played a key role in trade and cultural exchange after opening the Silk Road. And one of the most famous historical places to visit near Xining is Ta’er Monastery (otherwise known as Kumbum Monastery).⠀
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With 400 years of history, this monastery is a religious activity center that still houses practising monks within the complex that comprises of Buddhist halls, large courtyards, multiple stupas and more. ⠀
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📍Kumbum Monastery, near Xining, Qinghai Province, China
#leaveyourmark
Michaela (@uncoveringcities) If you only have three days to spare, make every hour count in Xining, Qinghai Province.
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We started our adventure in Xining (西宁), the capital city of the province on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau - and a city that played a key role in trade and cultural exchange after opening the Silk Road. And one of the most famous historical places to visit near Xining is Ta’er Monastery (otherwise known as Kumbum Monastery).⠀
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With 400 years of history, this monastery is a religious activity center that still houses practising monks within the complex that comprises of Buddhist halls, large courtyards, multiple stupas and more. ⠀
It’s not just a Buddhist monastery. It’s a key cultural relic; a place of astounding architecture, vivid colours, mesmerising culture and beautiful craftsmanship / artwork - including delicate sculptures of Buddha, animals and flowers made of yak butter (which need to be crafted by hand in sub-zero temperatures...)!
When you start to get peckish, grab a flaky bing filled with minced beef, leek, onion and cabbage. Could not get enough of the crispy, crunchy texture of the outer pastry and the moreish flavour of the filling.⠀
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📍Xinqian Yeshi (Food Court) 新千夜市, Xining, Qinghai Province, China. While here you can pick up a variety of dishes native to the province, as well as a couple of other speciality dishes inspired by neighbouring regions!
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📍Kumbum Monastery, near Xining, Qinghai Province, China
#urbanexplorer#qingmingtravel
urbanexplorer
qingmingtravel
Michaela (@uncoveringcities) Xining Raiders Attractions Punch / Food Introduction / Accommodation Recommended
accommodation suggestions: Xining City Central District near the area is more convenient accommodation, some attractions are close to Xining City, can return to Xining City accommodation. Tourist accommodation is generally concentrated in the Great Cross, Mojia Street, eating and drinking and buying and buying is very convenient
travel advice:
1: self-driving, to Xining after the car rental, all the schedule to arrange their own, whatever they want / Hh/2: chartered, professional driver takes you to play, saves the fatigue of driving
3: local group, registration day trip
play days: recommended to play 2-3 days
/ Hh/
attraction 1: Ta'er Temple (Fig. 2.3)
Address: No. 56, Jinta Road, Yuzhong County, Xining City, Qinghai Province, China/Hh/ Time: 07
Xining super-strong tourism strategy is enough to see this
Xining is an important fortress on the Silk Road, and also a major city into Tibet, not only a tourist city, but also a historical city, around Xining A lot of places worth visiting.
Recommended spots
: One of the most famous spots in Qinghai, Lushar Town, 25 km away from Xining City, with public transportation.
Geometry Bookstore: The largest independent bookstore in China, the bookstore with the highest value in Xining, has a strong design atmosphere.
: China's second half-mountain-hanging buildings
In addition to the gameplay around Xining, more people will take Xining as a starting point and play a circle around the two provinces of Qinghai and Gansu.
route recommendation
Qinghai Dunhuang 7-day big ring line: Xining Tar Temple Riyue Mountain Qinghai Lake Heima River Rubber Mountain Chaka Salt Lake Delingha Dachaidan Dunhuang Guazhou Jiayuguan Zhangye Qilian Menyuan Xining
7: Xining Qinghai Lake Dachaidan Dunhuang Jiayuguan Zhangye Qilian Xining
Qinghai Zhangye 4 days small ring line: Xining Qinghai Lake Qilian Zhangye Menyuan Xining
food recommended
feel hand grab lamb: raw materials are very simple, but the taste is indeed the most pure The smell of mutton is not at all.
: Xining specialties, about 5 yuan a cup, very pure Qinghai flavor yogurt.
: Come to Xining, you must try the snacks, you can find
in the streets and alleys: the common home-cooked meal in Qinghai, don't miss it.
!! Best travel season: July to October
August domestic travel top choice - Qinghai Lake trip! First stop: 2019 latest Tarzan Raiders
Foreword:
July can be said that Qinghai is a popular tourist destination in the country! National bicycle cycling around the lake, yellow canola, beautiful weather with Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, it can be said that the entire Ganqing big ring line is so moving! ! This trip to Qinghai really made me realize the vastness of the motherland and the evil spirits of nature! !
About the first stop Xining-Tal Temple
We flew Xining from Xi'an, because we have not been to Ta'er Temple, so we chose to stay in Xining for one night. Today, the fisherman introduces you to the Ta'er Monastery in Xining. If you have time to use the Qinghai Line, you must stay in Xining for a day, visit the Ta'er Temple, and eat local food. It is perfect.
Transportation: We live in the city of Xining. We choose to rent a car, a high-speed rail station or a lot of apps to rent a car. It is very convenient. The city is driving to the Ta'er Monastery for about one and a half hours.
tips:
1. Everyone's note: Be sure to wear long pants! ! Long skirt over the knee! You can't leak your arms in the temple.
2. Address: The first stop of Tibetan Buddhism - Ta'er Temple Address: No. 56, Jinta Road, Yuzhong County, Xining City
Level: AAAAA
Fare: 80 yuan
/ Hh/ Specific recommendation:
The religious status of the Ta'er Temple:
Tal Temple is one of the six monasteries of the Chinese Buddhist Buddhism Gelugpa. It was first built in the 39th year of Ming Jiajing. It has been more than 400 years old! It is recommended to visit the Ta'er Temple to find a guide, listen to the explanation and not explain the different feelings of the night.
The entire temple is a magnificent and magnificent architectural complex composed of a number of temples, temples, stupas and shacks. The Ta'er Monastery is the first tower, and there is a temple, hence the name Ta'er Temple. The golden domes, linden trees and exquisite murals, piles of embroidered and butter flowers of the Ta'er Monastery can be shocking. Yuzi is a traveler who likes religious culture very much. He always feels that he can learn a lot of history while watching. So, if you are a guest of Xining, then the Ta'er Temple must be a stop for study.
You have entered the northwestern secret realm, where the scenery ahead is boundless
Welcome, dear travelers, to this meticulously crafted Qinghai travel guide. Here, you will witness the unique plateau scenery of Qinghai, experience the rich ethnic culture, taste authentic cuisine, and enjoy an extraordinary journey of transportation, granting you an unforgettable travel experience on this magical land.
Attractions:
1. Qinghai Lake - China's largest inland lake, like a sapphire embedded in the plateau, with rippling blue waves, flocks of sheep and cattle by the lake, and a golden sea of rapeseed flowers, offering a spectacular sight of thousands of birds flying together in the summer.
2. Chaka Salt Lake - Known as the 'Mirror of the Sky', its pristine surface reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if stepping into a dreamy fairyland.
3. Ta'er Monastery - One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Qinghai Province, with exquisite murals, thangka, and butter sculpture art that are breathtaking.
4. Qilian Mountain Grassland - A green carpet surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a paradise for photography enthusiasts, and an excellent place to experience the life of nomads.
Itinerary:
Arrive in Xining on the first day, rest, and then visit the Dongguan Mosque to taste the local Muslim culture. The next day, drive to Qinghai Lake, enjoy the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau scenery along the way, and camp by the lake to watch the stars. On the third day, visit Chaka Salt Lake and head to Qilian Mountain Grassland in the afternoon, spending a night in a grassland homestay.
Food Recommendations:
• Hand-grabbed lamb: Made from tender lamb, with a rich taste and aromatic flavor, it is a Qinghai specialty.
• Yogurt: Qinghai yogurt is thick and creamy, with a suitable sour and sweet taste, rich in probiotics, and is an excellent choice for quenching thirst and beating the heat.
• Tsampa: A local specialty with a rich flavor, chewy texture, thick soup, and rich in nutrients.
Transportation Tips:
You can take a flight directly to Xining Caojiabao Airport from all over the country, or choose to travel by train or long-distance bus. Within the province, chartered self-driving is the most convenient for stopping to enjoy the scenery along the way. In addition, there are tourist buses to and from Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, and other places, which are both economical and convenient.
On this vast and mysterious land, let us listen to the stories of Qinghai, explore the treasures of nature, enjoy the delicacies of the world, and embark on a journey that captivates the heart and soul!
Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai, experience the power of faith
Ta'er Monastery, also known as Kumbum Monastery, is located in the urban area of Huangzhong District, Xining City, the capital of Qinghai Province. It was founded in the 12th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1379) and is named after the Great Silver Pagoda built inside the Dajinwa Temple to commemorate Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery's butter sculptures, murals, and embroidery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery Art', and it also houses many Buddhist scriptures and academic works on history, literature, philosophy, medicine, legislation, and other fields.
Ta'er Monastery is the center of Tibetan Buddhist activities in Northwest China and one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism in China. It is also the leading historical and cultural site in Qinghai Province and a national key cultural relics protection unit. In 2018, it was shortlisted for the 'Magical Northwest Top 100 Scenic Spots' and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction.
Ta'er Monastery, this ancient temple standing in the urban area of Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province, is not only a holy land of Tibetan Buddhism but also a treasure of history and culture. Established in the 12th year of the Hongwu reign, it has withstood the test of time and remains standing firm, witnessing the passage of years and the steadfastness of faith.
【Travel Guide Recommendation】Qinghai-Tibet Grand Loop - 7 Days and 6 Nights (Part One)
Life really needs a trip to the great Northwest!!! The impact is so profound!!!
We went there in early June, when there were seriously few tourists, and I really enjoy traveling when it's not crowded, I don't like the hustle and bustle of crowds🤭. Because the distance between each scenic spot on the Qinghai-Tibet loop is quite far (basically around 500km), we spent a lot of time on the road, but the scenery along the way is super beautiful. Listening to music through headphones, looking at the Gobi, basins, mountain ranges, plateaus, and snacking... is also a unique pleasure.
【Specific Travel Strategies】
Day 1
Our first stop was Xining, mainly for rest and preparation before traveling, and we bought some food. Then in the morning, we went to the Ta'er Monastery, and the first picture was taken there. It suddenly started pouring rain, and it was super cold🥶, so we only had a brief visit for about two hours before heading back. Then at noon, we found a noodle restaurant near the hotel. When you go to the Northwest, you must try the local noodles, I really love them, and the noodles are very chewy!
Then in the evening, we went to the night market on Daxin Street in the city center. Qinghai old yogurt is my favorite🥰 because I really love set yogurt, and I also like sour foods, Qinghai old yogurt really satisfies my taste. Then you must try the local lamb, I usually only eat roasted lamb and avoid other lamb dishes because I think they have a gamey taste, but locals say their lamb doesn't have that gamey taste, saying it's related to the breed of the sheep. Then I tried it myself, and it really, really didn't have the gamey taste, it was super delicious!!!
Day2
The Qinghai-Tibet Grand Loop journey officially begins!!! Our first stop was Qinghai Lake, pictures 2 and 3 were taken there, the water is really super blue, and you can see the distant snow-capped mountains and the flight of seagulls. Then the second stop was Chaka Salt Lake (Mirror of the Sky), its scenery is particularly affected by the season and weather. The time we went was not its most beautiful period, because in June the lake surface had not melted much, so it couldn't form reflections. If you want to take photos in the lake, you need to rent special shoes, everyone be careful and don't step into holes❗️ We chose to take a small train there and walked back (about 40 minutes).
Day3
We passed the U-shaped highway on the way, everyone must be careful when taking photos, as there are many large trucks coming and going. It's really super dangerous‼️ We went to Dachaidan Emerald Lake, (personal preference) Emerald Lake is more beautiful than Chaka Salt Lake!!! It was my first time seeing a green lake🤗, we chose to take a small train. We also tried aerial drone photography, sitting in a boat in the middle of the lake, someone will guide your poses, and I am very satisfied with the photos and videos (I didn't post the photos and videos hehe)
Then we hurried to the next location (coming to my most favorite, most favorite, most favorite spot on the Qinghai-Tibet Grand Loop!!!) I want to dedicate a separate post to record it😁
2024 Ta'er Monastery in Xining, Qinghai
🌟 Highlights: Ta'er Monastery, also known as Kumbum Monastery, is located in the urban area of Huangzhong District, Xining City, the capital of Qinghai Province, and was founded in the 12th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1379). It is named after the Great Silver Pagoda built inside the Dajinwa Temple to commemorate Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, which in Tibetan is called 'Ganden Sumtseling', meaning 'Maitreya Temple with the roar of a hundred thousand lions'.
❤ Recommended Reason: Ta'er Monastery is the center of Tibetan Buddhism activities in Northwest China and is renowned in China and Southeast Asia. Successive central governments have highly esteemed the religious status of Ta'er Monastery. The Ming Dynasty conferred titles on the upper echelons of the monastery's religious figures multiple times, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty bestowed the plaque 'Pure Upstream Beam', and Emperor Qianlong granted the title 'Brahma Zong Temple' and also bestowed the plaque 'Brahma Teaching Dharma Banner' to the Dajinwa Temple.
👍 Most Recommended: The butter sculptures, murals, and embroidery at Ta'er Monastery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery Art'. In addition, the monastery also treasures many Buddhist scriptures and academic works on history, literature, philosophy, medicine, legislation, and other fields. The annual religious event 'The Four Great Prayer Festivals' is particularly lively. The butter sculpture at Ta'er Monastery is also lifelike and famous far and wide.
📝 Note Tips: Ta'er Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug (Yellow) school of Tibetan Buddhism in China and is the leading cultural and historical site in Qinghai Province as well as a key national cultural relics protection unit.
Ta'er Monastery! (510)
Ta'er Monastery is located in Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province, and was founded in the twelfth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1379).
It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism activities in the northwest region of China🇨🇳 and enjoys a high reputation in China🇨🇳 and Southeast Asia.
Butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué embroidery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery Art🎨'! It also houses many Buddhist scriptures and academic works on history, literature, philosophy, medicine, legislation, and other fields.
It is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism in China🇨🇳. It is also the leading cultural and historical site in Qinghai Province!
The monastery has over 1,000 courtyards and more than 4,500 halls and monks' quarters. The scale is grand, and the architecture🏗️ is unique, harmoniously blending Tibetan and Han styles.
It is a national key cultural relics protection unit!
It belongs to the national AAAAA-level scenic area!
In 2018, it was shortlisted for the 'Magical Northwest Top 100 Scenic Spots'!
The Christmas Eve platter performance in Xining is here!
Time: Sunday, 2023/12/24 20:00
Venue: Qinghai Grand Theatre - Art Lecture Hall
Who says there's no Christmas atmosphere in the great Northwest? Here it comes, the Xining Spring Wave Island, Gua, and Mimi Dream Band concert! Besides watching the performance on Christmas, take advantage of the weekend to check out the local attractions in Xining!
1. Ta'er Monastery
Ta'er Monastery is located in Huangzhong County, Xining, with a history of over 400 years. It is one of the important monasteries of the Gelug school (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Sect. The monastery's architecture is magnificent, its treasures are abundant, and it offers a strong religious atmosphere, making it one of the more popular tourist destinations in Xining.
2. Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
The Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum is a comprehensive museum with a theme of Tibetan medicine and culture. It houses 16 exhibition halls, including the Silk Road and Qinghai-Tibetan Civilization, Panorama of Chinese Tibetan Art Paintings, History of Tibetan Medicine, etc. It treasures the Guinness World Record-holding Thangka masterpiece - 'Panorama of Chinese Tibetan Art Paintings', which is 618 meters long. Planned by the renowned Thangka master Zongzhe Lajie, it was completed by 400 painters over 4 years. The content encompasses the Tibetan understanding of the universe, the formation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, history, religion, medicine, culture, art, and folklore. The painting is detailed and colorful, a grand spectacle, and is known as a 'contemporary national treasure' and an encyclopedia of Tibetan culture.
3. Riyue Mountain
Riyue Mountain is located on the way from Huangyuan to Qinghai Lake and is also a necessary route to Tibet. Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng entered Tibet, she broke the stone mirror that could not reflect her hometown into two pieces, the sun and the moon, hence the name Riyue Mountain. On both sides of the Riyue Mountain pass, there is a small peak with the Sun Pavilion and the Moon Pavilion, two iconic buildings.
Built in harmony with the mountain, the monastery and the mountain are one | Ta'er Monastery
Qinghai Ta'er Monastery / Photo-taking and Touring Guide / The First Stop on the Great Northwest Circuit
We took the train to Xining Station
We chartered a car online, and the driver picked us up near the train station and went straight to Ta'er Monastery!
🚗From Xining city center to Ta'er Monastery: about 30 minutes
Touring time: about 2 hours
Ticket price: Peak season (April 1st to October 31st) $70 per person, off-season $40 per person
⭐Photo-taking and touring suggestions:
At that time, we chose places where there were no people to take photos, but as soon as we finished taking photos at one spot, people would start queuing up there to check in, I must be really good at taking photos!
⭐When we went, it was the time when the bodhi trees were blooming, paired with the red walls, it was really beautiful! (Available around July)
⭐Photography is not allowed inside the halls, pay attention to the no smoking signs, no pets allowed inside, and no shorts or short skirts allowed
⭐If you want to understand the history of the temple, you can find a guide.
The ultraviolet rays are very strong, remember to wear sunscreen. Walk slowly, as you might experience some altitude sickness.
💋Outfit suggestions: You can choose red/green/blue/white for your clothing as the colors of the buildings inside the monastery are very bright and saturated, so we should also choose clothing with high saturation to stand out in the photos!
❤️❤️Alright! That's all for today's share! If you have any questions, you can ask me in the comments section!
Tour around Xining - Ta'er Monastery
Coming to Xining, of course, you have to visit Ta'er Monastery!
▶️Transportation to Ta'er Monastery?
You can take bus 909 directly from Xining Railway Station!
If you take a taxi or drive, it's about 30-40 minutes away!
Anyway, it's really convenient!
▶️Why Ta'er Monastery?
Ta'er Monastery is the imperial monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, with a high status in history and religion. It is said that the world's first Buddha is Sakyamuni, the second Buddha is Tsongkhapa, and Tsongkhapa was born here. He became a monk at the age of 7 and went to Tibet to study scriptures in his teens. He entered Nirvana in his 80s. It is said that a Bodhi tree grew from the place where Tsongkhapa was born in the tower, but he never returned after leaving home to study scriptures. His mother missed him deeply, so she built a stone tower at the place of his birth, which was later painted silver by the monks who worshipped it, turning it into a silver tower. Later, it was painted with gold and jewels, becoming what it is today. The Buddha statue inside is made of gold mixed with a large amount of jewels and agate, which is very shocking.
Nowadays, the incense of Ta'er Monastery is very strong. There are hundreds of lamas in Ta'er Monastery, who chant and meditate in their own rooms on weekdays, but when you visit, you can still see the Akas coming and going, some of them are only a few years old. With the consent of their parents, they will become Akas and serve the temple and the host for their whole life.
▶️How to experience?
❤️Turning the prayer wheel
There are long prayer wheels in Ta'er Monastery. The origin of the prayer wheel is that there is a scroll of scriptures inside the wheel. Turning it once is equivalent to chanting the scriptures once. You often see people silently lining up to turn the prayer wheel in turn.
❤️Tangka
One of the three unique features of Ta'er Monastery, Tangka, is a traditional craft of carving and coloring with butter.
The butter is a solid oil extracted from 10 jin of milk according to traditional methods. The butter needs to be carved at below zero temperature, and then it will be displayed and worshipped in the temple. The carved Buddha images are often vivid and colorful. But the shelf life of Tangka is only two years, during which the color will gradually turn yellow, so the monks will re-carve every two years. The low temperature carving environment leads to many old monks having bad joints.
❤️In addition, here strictly adheres to the beginning and the end, the direction of visit should be clockwise, can not be wrong
Many local people also come to worship Buddha during the visit, devout and quiet, offering one or two yuan, then kneeling in front of the Buddha, and finally touching the forehead with the objects in front of the Buddha, representing the Buddha touching their forehead.
❤️In fact, you can spell a tour guide, will have a deeper understanding of the culture of Ta'er Monastery. The best experience!
Xining Travel - Ta'er Monastery, a Sacred Place of Tibetan Buddhism
📖 Located 20 kilometers away from downtown Xining, Ta'er Monastery is one of the must-visit attractions in Xining. It is a sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school. In Tibetan, Ta'er Monastery is called 'Gumbum Jampaling', which means 'The Hundred Thousand Lions Roar, the Maitreya Continent'.
❤️ For someone like me who has never been to Tibet, this was the first time I was deeply moved by the devoutness of the people.
❤️ Inside the temple, monks were chanting scriptures, their voices very serene, which also made the visitors feel more at peace.
❤️ The cats and dogs in the monastery were leisurely basking in the afternoon sun.
👣 Tour Route
Dharmapala Hall - Longevity Hall - Great Scripture Hall - Kalachakra College - Butter Sculpture Gallery - Sutra Tower Manjushri Bodhisattva Hall - Esoteric Buddhism College - Vajra Varahi Mandala - Tara Hall
🌟 Tips:
1. Exchange the electronic ticket for a paper ticket at the ticket center before entering the scenic area.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as there is a fair amount of walking involved.
💡 Notice
1. Respect the monastery's rules; many areas 🙅 prohibit photography 🙅 noise 🙅 smoking
2. Follow the route in a clockwise direction during the visit.
3. There are many areas within the monastery that are not open to visitors.
📍 Location: No. 56, Jinta Road, Huangzhong District
🕙 Visiting Hours: 7:30-18:30
🚶 Tour Duration: About 2 hours
🚖 Transportation: Take a taxi, about 30 minutes one way, approximately 50 yuan, plus an additional 11 yuan for the expressway fee.
🎫 Ticket Price: Off-season 40 yuan/person
Ta'er Monastery | A must-visit spot for a half-day tour in Xining
A must-visit spot for a half-day tour in Xining. Xining is an underrated tourist city. If you only have half a day in Xining due to a transfer to Tibet or other reasons, I highly recommend visiting Ta'er Monastery!
📚Ta'er Monastery Trivia: In Tibetan, Ta'er Monastery is called 'Gomang Dratsang', which means 'Maitreya Temple with a hundred thousand lions roaring'. The stupa was built before the monastery, hence the name Ta'er Monastery. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism, and has also been shortlisted for the 'Magical Northwest Top 100 Scenic Spots'. The monastery currently has over 9,300 rooms, covering an area of more than 600 acres, with 25 halls.
🎫Ticket Price: 70 RMB
🕙Opening Hours: Summer 7:30-18:30; Winter 8:00-16:30
📍Navigation: Huangzhong County Tibetan Hospital (The ticket office is next to the hospital)
🚌Transportation: It takes two hours by bus No. 909 from Xining Station, with a fare of 4 RMB; a taxi from the city center costs about 60 RMB. It's cheaper to share a ride if you are traveling alone.
⌚Recommended Visiting Time: At least 2 hours
👏Highly Recommended: If possible, hire a guide (I listened in on a guide 😜). Ta'er Monastery is well worth understanding for its butter sculptures, murals, and embroidery, which are known as the 'Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery Art'. In addition, the monastery also treasures many Buddhist scriptures and academic works.
❗❗Important Notes:
1. The altitude of Xining is over 2,000 meters, which is not high; walking slowly and breathing slightly heavily is normal.
2. Dress appropriately, which is applicable when visiting temples and Taoist temples.
3. There are colorful braids for sale at the entrance, usually three for 10 RMB.
4. It's not easy to get a taxi back to the city center after the visit; you can negotiate with the driver, and a fare not exceeding 80 RMB is reasonable, with 70 RMB being the best. You can also look for someone to share a ride back.
5. Maintain reverence! Photography is prohibited inside the monastery, including Buddha statues and murals.
🤗Impression: If you only have half a day in Xining, I really recommend coming here. The monastery has numerous buildings with unique styles. Anyway, of all the monasteries I saw on my way to Tibet, Ta'er Monastery left the deepest impression on me. There are many more Tibet travel tips on my homepage, wishing everyone a pleasant journey~
Xining! Kumbum Monastery
Kumbum Monastery is one of the important monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, located in Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province. It was founded in 1382 AD, built by Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang in memory of his mother. Kumbum Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its magnificent architecture, rich culture and historical heritage.
Kumbum Monastery - A sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism
We chartered a car to Qinghai Lake and visited the Kumbum Monastery on the way. It rained heavily that day...
The Kumbum Monastery was named after the tower that was built before the monastery. It is the center of Buddhism in Qinghai Province and the northwest region of China, and a sacred place of the Gelug sect. The main buildings are located on the hillside of the Lotus Mountain, covering an area of 450,000 square meters.
The Kumbum Monastery, also known as Ta'er Monastery, is located in the city of Huangzhong District, Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It was established in the twelfth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1379), and is a national AAAAA level tourist attraction.
National Day self-driving on the road | Qinghai-Gansu big loop line full strategy
Holiday! The super long holiday of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival is coming, why not pack up and set off!
Many friends have consulted me about the Qinghai-Gansu big loop line, and I have organized some content about the Qinghai-Gansu big loop line self-driving that you must know, hurry up and like and collect it!
🔍About the Qinghai-Gansu loop line:
The so-called big loop line is a self-driving route from Xining, Qinghai, all the way west to Dunhuang, then west to return to Gansu, along the Hexi Corridor and finally back to Xining.
There are many scenic spots along the way, and the mainstream 5-day and 8-day routes on the Internet cannot perfectly cover all the scenic spots along the way.
So in the choice of route, it depends on whether you focus on the scenery or culture.
🗓️Main scenic spot strategy:
It's impossible to be meticulous, but there can be a focus. Combined with my own experience and online information, I have summarized a version of the recommended key scenic spots (with recommended reasons)
✔️Xining Ta'er Monastery: Gelugpa monastery, the master Tsongkhapa walked out from here, the red wall is very photogenic.
✔️Qinghai Lake: It is said that Tsangyang Gyatso died here, one of the highest lakes in the world.
✔️Chaka Salt Lake: The mirror of the sky, is one of the "55 places a person must go in his lifetime" selected by National Geographic magazine.
✔️Dachaidan Emerald Lake: Compared to the fame of Chaka Salt Lake, this place is relatively niche, especially suitable for aerial photography!!!
✔️Wuwei Leitai: The location of ancient Liangzhou, Gansu Wuwei, the famous horse stepping on the flying swallow is from the Leitai Han tomb here.
✔️Qilian Mountain: The part where Qinghai and Gansu meet, the Qilian Mountains have many birds and animals and beautiful scenery.
✔️Zhangye Colorful Danxia: God spilled the palette here, a typical representative of the Danxia landform.
✔️Jiayuguan: "The first strong pass in the world", many frontier poems are related to him, remember to take a photo with the popular Guanchang.
✔️Mingsha Mountain: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring is a must-visit attraction in Dunhuang, climb the sand dunes to overlook the Crescent Spring, wait for the moon to come out, super artistic conception.
✔️Mogao Grottoes: The most famous grottoes, the cultural value is immeasurable.
⚠️Don't drive alone!!! Coming out of Xining, the Ta'er Temple to Dachaidan section will have mild altitude sickness, rest appropriately, eat something, there is no need to buy oxygen.
🚗About self-driving:
The whole journey is either a highway or a national road. As long as you don't want to challenge those sections that have not been repaired, a general car is fine. There are many people traveling during the small long holiday, and there will be traffic jams, which cannot be avoided.
📸Photography suggestions:
1️⃣There are different features all the way, it is recommended to bring a few more lenses, 16-35, 70-200 are the minimum.
2️⃣Drones are banned in Jiayuguan, Mogao Grottoes, Ta'er Temple and other places, be sure to understand in advance.
I am Gala, an amateur photographer who likes to go on a whim, but doesn't know how to press the shutter~
🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻
🚙Transportation: Many routes are gathered from Xining, there are chartered tours, and there are travel groups. If you are self-driving, I suggest you can start from Lanzhou, stay for one more day, Lanzhou city is always easily overlooked.
Like and follow to not get lost❤️
Qinghai Xining | The Ta'er Monastery, lacking in oxygen but not in faith
| The Ta'er Monastery, lacking in oxygen but not in faith. The tower came first, then the temple, hence the name 'Ta'er Monastery'.
The Ta'er Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism in China, and is the center of Tibetan Buddhism activities in the northwest region of China.
It is a forty-minute drive from Xining. If you are visiting Qinghai, you can visit the Ta'er Monastery if you have time to feel the atmosphere of Buddhism!
The three unique arts of the Ta'er Monastery: murals, thangkas, and butter sculptures.
You must come and see it with your own eyes, and the blooming scene of the Bodhi tree (early July)
About tickets:
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st) adult full ticket 70r; off-season 40r/person
Precautions:
1. If you drive by yourself, please navigate to: Tibetan Hospital!! The parking lot and ticket office are next to it, otherwise you will navigate to a place where you have to take your own sightseeing car, which is completely unnecessary!!
2. Remember to exchange paper tickets for electronic tickets!!
3. There are braided colored braids at the door, and there are Tibetan costumes for rent for taking pictures. There are many enthusiastic sales that will not let you go. You can bargain, and you can be happy.
4. If you want to understand more deeply, it is recommended to ask for an explanation or understand the cultural history of the Ta'er Monastery in advance, and you will feel more when visiting!
5. No photography is allowed in the hall, and Buddha statues and murals cannot be taken. Pay attention to the prompts!
Respect customs, dress appropriately, girls pay attention not to wear short skirts! The altitude of the Ta'er Monastery is 2000+, and there is generally no problem with altitude sickness if you walk slowly!
The entire Northwest Ring Road is 3200 kilometers long
The entire Northwest Ring Road is 3200 kilometers long
In 7 days, I basically experienced the four seasons, traveled through two provinces, six cities, Qinghai is very barren (personal feeling), Gansu is relatively rich.
Lanzhou - Ta'er Monastery - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha - Jade Lake - Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain - Mogao Caves - Jiayuguan - Qicai Danxia - Lanzhou
Mountains, lakes, Gobi Desert, snow-capped grasslands
It can be considered a cultural hardship, but it's worth it❣️
A place never lacking in faith—Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai
How many secrets does a person need to hide to cleverly get through life; this plateau bathed in Buddha's light, every few steps is heaven; yet there are still so many people, burdened by their worries, unable to move forward.
——Cangyang Gyatso
I can't think of any words to describe the feeling when you see with your own eyes the worshippers you could only learn about on TV or the internet before, I was shocked that there is such a different kind of people.
💰Ta'er Monastery ticket: ¥70/person
💎Please explain additional fees: ¥90/3 people
🉑PS: It is recommended to buy a guide‼️After checking the ticket, there will be many locals asking if you want a guide, they will keep asking you. The price is basically between ¥100-¥140. Share the group with others, and remember to bargain with them. If you just come to take pictures, then the ticket is given for nothing, with a guide you can accurately understand the culture of Ta'er Monastery and interesting points.
🚎Transportation:
1️⃣Bus 909 can reach Ta'er Monastery, the whole journey is more than an hour;
2️⃣Take a Didi, with a discount the whole journey is ¥80, it's affordable if shared by three people; we kept the driver's number, he won't go back if he doesn't pick up people. The same person took us around later.
❤🌟Highlights and check-in points:
1️⃣Babao Ruyi Tower: You can take very deep photos;
2️⃣Dajinwa Palace: It is not allowed to take pictures inside the palace, the base of the Buddha statue inside is inlaid with many priceless jewels, more expensive than gold😍🤩. You can take pictures of the golden tiles by turning right outside (picture 6), according to the guide, the golden tiles of the Dajinwa Palace weigh more than 700 jin, very majestic and spectacular.
3️⃣Xiaojinwa Temple: There are real animal specimens that are several hundred years old: wolves🐺, sheep🐑, cows🐮, etc;
4️⃣Dajing Hall: This is even more worth understanding, it is the place where the monks of the monastery concentrate on chanting sutras, and it also treasures the only remaining 18 pieces of embroidery, it is said that no one has this skill now. There are also butter flowers, all hand-pinched one by one. The rest are murals, known as the 'three arts of Ta'er Monastery'. They are all cultural heritages worth our careful understanding.
The whole journey takes about 2 hours, and there are many features that cannot be reproduced, such as the ochre hemp walls of the buildings, the deeds of various Dalai Lamas, all worth our understanding.
Kumbum Monastery~ The monastery was built after the tower
Kumbum Monastery is located in Xining, Qinghai Province. I visited Kumbum Monastery after Qinghai Lake. In October, Qinghai Lake was already covered with heavy snow, but Kumbum Monastery was not so cold, and the altitude was not too high! Ladies need to wear long gowns to enter the monastery. You can take photos in the temple, but some inner courtyards are not allowed to take photos!
Xining - Kumbum Monastery
Kumbum Monastery guide, a must-visit when coming to Xining. Kumbum Monastery, also known as Ta'er Monastery, is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The butter sculptures, murals, and thangkas here are known as the 'Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery'.
About tickets:
Peak season tickets are 70 yuan/person, off-peak season tickets are 40 yuan/person
You can buy them online in advance and exchange them at the visitor center
About transportation:
Bus: Download the Xining bus code, route 909 costs only 4 yuan and goes directly to Kumbum Monastery
Self-driving: Navigate to 'Kumbum Monastery', free parking
The Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery:
1. Butter sculptures: Made from butter and tsampa, known as the 'Flowers of the Freezing Point', housed in the Butter Sculpture Court
2. Thangkas: Made from embroidered pieces, there are only 22 thangkas in the world, 18 of which are in Kumbum Monastery, the other 4 are in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, housed in the Great Scripture Hall
3. Murals: Painted with mineral pigments, they have a strong Tibetan style, housed in the Great Scripture Hall
The soul of Kumbum Monastery:
The Great Golden Tile Hall: The birthplace of Tsongkhapa. It houses a 12.5-meter high silver tower. The base is pure silver, inlaid with various jewels. The roof of the hall, made of 1300 taels of gold and over 10,000 taels of silver, is the ultimate destination for all pilgrims
Classic areas of Kumbum Monastery:
1. Eight Treasures Wish-fulfilling Stupa: Built to commemorate the eight great deeds of the Buddha, it represents the life of Tsongkhapa
2. Longevity Hall: Built to celebrate the birthday of the 7th Dalai Lama, Gelsang Gyatso
3. Great Scripture Hall: The most important building of Kumbum Monastery, the hall has thousands of cushions, it is said that more than 2000 lamas can chant scriptures here collectively, it is also the representative viewing point of one of the 'Three Wonders' - thangkas
4. Kalachakra College: One of the four major colleges of Kumbum Monastery
5. Maitreya Buddha Hall: The hall houses the most perfect Ming Dynasty murals, larger in scale than the murals in other halls, it is the best viewing point for one of the 'Three Wonders' - murals
6. Butter Sculpture Hall: Far from the main gate. The hall has exquisite butter sculptures of various Buddhas, flowers and birds on display. The theme changes every year!
Tips:
1. No photography inside the main hall
2. Try not to take pictures of lamas and believers
3. Turn the prayer wheels clockwise
4. Do not point at the Buddha statues
5. Do not step on the threshold, remove your hat
6. The temperature difference between day and night is large, wear more clothes, protect against the sun, the UV rays are strong
7. At the entrance of the monastery, local women braid colorful ropes, it's not expensive, it looks pretty good in photos
8. Ordinary people worship Buddha, light butter lamps
9. The temple is a sacred place, be sure to wear long pants or a long skirt to enter, do not expose
Respectful Tibetan Kumbum Monastery
Getting there makes my heart such a blessing day 🙏😊
Catching a taxi to get there, it is about 25 km. away from Xining town
Xining Hot Spring Holiday Hotel is grandly opened. This is the 100th Holiday Inn in Greater China since the first Holiday Inn Beijing Lido Holiday Hotel entered China. It is also the first InterContinental IHG hotel in Qinghai. .
High-quality hardware and services Needless to say, the rooms are simple and warm, some rooms have direct hot springs, and there is a huge hot spring park next to them. The
hotel also has a special parent-child leisure suite. The cartoon style is especially popular with children and is suitable for the whole family. The restaurant at
is dominated by authentic Cantonese cuisine. The buffet is very rich in seafood and is one of the best in Xining.
The large conference room and gym provide a wealth of space for business travellers and enjoy a fun trip.
is very close to the Ta'er Monastery, 10 minutes by car. It takes about 3 hours to Qinghai Lake.
Qinghai has finally added international big-name luxury hotels, and can stay in Xining for a few more days.
When you have come to Xining, you can't go to the Ta'er Monastery.
Tal Temple is the activity center of Tibetan Buddhism in the northwestern region. It has a reputation for the whole of China and even Southeast Asia. The central government of the past generations highly praised the religious status of the Ta'er Monastery.
Tal Temple formerly known as Taer Temple, was founded in 1377, named after the Da Yinwa Temple to commemorate the founder of the Yellow Church, Tsongkhapa, the Tibetan language is called "Sakamoto Hyun "Bahrain" means "the Maitreya Temple with a hundred thousand lions and statues of Buddha".
Tal Temple has a total of 1000 large and small buildings such as Dajinwa Temple, Xiaojinwa Temple, Huasi Temple, Dajingtang, Jiujian Hall, Da Lalang, Ruyi Tower, Taiping Tower, Bodhi Tower, and Gate Tower. Many courtyards, more than 4,500 temples, grand scales, palaces, Buddhist temples, Buddhist scriptures, palaces, lamas living in the courtyards and courtyards, all in one, covering the style of the Han Palace and the Tibetan flat roof, uniquely The Chinese-style Sancha Xieshan style is combined with the Tibetan squatting masonry whip wall, the mid-inlaid wheel-wheeled King Kong Sanskrit mantra and the bronze mirror and the underlying brick form to form a complex of Chinese and Tibetan art styles.
Due to historical accumulation, the temple's cultural relics are extremely rich, and it is a treasure trove of art, combining magnificent architecture, dazzling instruments, various Buddha statues and vast literature collections. Especially the murals, piles of embroidered, butter flowers, known as the "three art", famous all over the world.
The most popular destination in July and August | Great Northwest Wilderness Raiders
trip
D1: Xining Taer Temple - Laji Mountain - Qinghai Lake
D2: Chaka Salt Lake - Dachaidan Emerald Lake, Agate Lake
D3: South Eight Immortals - Oil Town
D4: Mogao Grottoes - Mingsha Mountain
D5: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Colorful Danxia
D6: Zhangye - Qilian Mountain - Door source - leaping Datun Mountain - Xining
traffic
1. Self-driving: The advantage of self-driving is that the trip is more free and can bring more things. However, it is hard to drive long distances along the Ganqing ring road. It is best to change two people or more. There will be no signal on the mobile phone on some sections of
Ganqing. If you are self-driving, you must familiarize yourself with the route in advance so as not to get lost.
2. Charter: The development of Qinghai chartered car is very mature. It is also the most common choice for people to use the Ganqing ring line. The driver is familiar with the route and can also recommend some small spots. It is more convenient to handle the local food and transportation. .
chartered cars generally do not need to care for the driver's accommodation, but need to eat with the driver when eating. If you do not include anything, you must make it clear in advance so as not to cause unnecessary misunderstanding.
Climate and clothing required
1. Qinghai belongs to the plateau climate, the temperature difference is very large, and the weather changes very fast, too many uncertain factors.
When preparing clothes, you should wear a short-sleeved skirt and some thick coats and trousers. Remember to bring a thick coat for any occasion.
2. The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are very strong. Be sure to pay attention to sun protection. You can prepare hats, gloves, etc. in advance. Sunscreens should not be less
3. The climate here will be relatively dry. It is best to adapt the film and hand cream, body lotion, etc.
4. Items that must be brought: thick coat, sunscreen, sunglasses, slippers, mask (windproof sunscreen), hat, mask hand cream, people who are afraid of getting into the car for a long time with a neck pillow.
Attractions Raiders
1. Ta'er Temple: Girls pay attention not to wear skirts! At present, the new regulations are that girls are not allowed to wear skirts. I have seen girls wearing long skirts, but it is estimated that different ticket inspectors have different standards. It is best to follow the rules and avoid accidents.
2. Qinghai Lake: It is not necessary to go to Erlangjian Scenic Area. There are many privately-located lake entrances along Qinghai Lake. You only need to pay about 10 yuan to go to Qinghai Lake. These places not only do not need high tickets. There will be fewer visitors than the scenic spots.
Lake is a lake, the infrastructure is different.
3.Tea Salt Lake: Don't give up if you are in bad weather! The weather here is very fast, and it may be fine after a while. There is a place to rent shoe covers in the salt lake. However, many shoe covers provided in the scenic area have been leaked repeatedly. If you do not want to see water, you can prepare your shoe cover in advance.
4. Emerald Lake: Be sure to recommend the free fairy spot, no matter the color of the cloudy and cloudy water is very beautiful, the aerial photography will be more colorful ~
5. Mogao Grotto: Remember! To be ahead! Booking tickets! Especially in the peak season, as long as the itinerary is determined, it is necessary to go to the appointment in advance, so as to avoid the arrival of the ticket.
6. Colorful Danxia: The latest ticketing time is 7pm, so be sure to go at 7 o'clock.
For the Ta'er Monastery, I first heard that I was chatting with a friend. She went to the Ta'er Temple thousands of miles away and turned to pray for blessing. Maybe after the end of the blessing, it was a journey of a thousand miles, but it was full of feelings. Return. Tickets for the Ta'er Temple are 80 yuan, which is valid once. If you come from the faith, you can turn to the Buddha. If you are visiting, you may wish to find a guide so that you know what you are seeing. And what is the stress, you know how many stories happened here. Walking into the Ta'er Monastery, you will find that the building is magnificent but not symmetric. The Ta'er Monastery is a famous lama temple in China. It is the birthplace of the founder of the Lamaism Huangjiao Tsongkhapa. It is also one of the most important monasteries of the Gelug Sect (Huangjiao) of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is grand in scale and has more than 800 temples at its peak. It is one of the famous six great lamas temples in China. Walking into the Ta'er Monastery, you can always see some people around the main hall. They are wearing uniform lamas or normal dressed believers, all doing the same movements, and the direction of the five bodies is toward the main hall. Worship, listen to the tour guide, they are using this to accumulate merits, 100,000 long heads of merit, many people will be in this months or even a year.
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