Photos of Kumbum Monastery

Kumbum Monastery (also called Ta'er Temple) is a Tibetan gompa with more than 400 years of history. Located in Xining's Huangzhong County, it belongs to the Gelug (or Yellow) School of Tibetan Buddhism. Kumbum Monastery has a number of ancient buildings including the main hall, Scripture Hall, Buddha Pagoda, and academy. At the center of the monastery complex, visitors will find the Dajinwa (Great Golden Tile) Temple. According to legend, this temple was erected on the site where Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug School, was born. A visit to Kumbum is not complete without taking the time to see and appreciate the butter sculptures, the murals, and the elaborate embroidery. The entire temple complex is full of magnificent buildings and rich treasures. However, the true charm of the complex lies in its holy atmosphere. It is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Xining.