Labrang Monastery

Situated in southern Gansu, Labrang Monastery in Xiahe is the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. First founded in 1709, at its peak it hosted over 3,600 monks. Included in your entrance fee is a guided tour with an English speaking monk. You will walk through the temples and learn the history of the area. You should be lucky enough to enter the main temple during prayer time and witness the incredible chanting and humming it over 100 monks in unison. After exploring inside the monastery, it is well worth walking around the the kora circuit. This is the pathway on the outside of the monastery walls which contains the prayer wheels. Hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims at a time walk this circuit in a clockwise circle. You’ll hear the constant chants, see their gorgeous traditional Tibetan clothing and even witness some pilgrims and monks prostrating as they walk. To get to Labrang you need to get to the capital of Gansu, Lanzhou and then catch a 4 hour bus south to Xiahe. #historicplaces

About 1 km west from Xiahe County in the Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, lies the Labrang Monastery. A nice place in the hearts of the Tibetans, it stands by the Daxia River and faces the Dragon Mountain. The monastery is famous for its Tibetan culture, imposing Buddhist structures and the long corridor of prayer wheels. It is a holy place where Buddhism followers learn the essence of Buddhism. During its peak, there were over four thousand monks. Labrang Monastery boasts the longest corridor of prayer wheels over the world, with over 1,700 scripture wheels. ℹ️ Chinese name: 拉卜楞寺 🚐 How to get there? From Lanzhou, visitors can catch a direct bus at Lanzhou South Coach Station to Xiahe County. From other counties like Linxia or Hezuo, there are buses to Xiahe every day. 🎫 Admission Fee 40RMB for visiting several main halls. Otherwise, you can tour the grounds for free. 🛕I recommend spending at least 3-5 hours in the monastery, as it's really huge and impressive. You can also walk the nearby grassland. #tibet#monastery#culturetrip #summervacation#hikingtrails

Do you know where the longest corridor in the world is? This Gannan self-driving tour, in addition to Zhabei that I am most worthy of thinking is this world-class top Tibetan school! It has the longest corridor in the world! No matter which country the locals take, they will take time to worship here every year! When you come here, time seems to be quiet, no distractions! Address is located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, 200km from Lanzhou! From Lanzhou, it takes 4.5h to drive! The road is very good, the whole process can also take the provincial highway! Or take a direct bus in Lanzhou District! Introduction Strictly speaking, this is not just a temple, it retains the most complete teaching system of Tibetan Buddhism in the country. Most of the monks came to the temple when they were seven or eight years old. After 12 years of study, they were counted as learning. It was not like learning, but also a lifelong practice.

Labrang Monastery, located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, is one of the six monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is known as the World Tibetan Academy. Xiahe has only one broad main street, one side is Labrang Monastery and the other side is city. But this street has no boundaries, just like the life and beliefs of the Xiahe people. In history, the Labrang Monastery is known as the 108-genus temple (in fact, it is much larger than this number), and it is the political and religious center of Gannan. Up to now, Labrang Monastery has retained the best Tibetan Buddhist teaching system in the country. The monks who practice here are from a few years old to several decades old. Apart from the typical Tibetan temple features, Labrang Monastery is best known for its longest corridor in the world. There are more than 1,700 prayer barrels around the temple, stretching for 3.5 kilometers.

Labrang Monastery is one of the six monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is known as the "World Library of Tibet" in the world. There are no thieves in the world. Liu Ruoying and Bao Qiang meet here. Every year, the lunar calendar has a grand law in July. Yes, there are wonderful performances of jumping and dancing in the square, and the four parties are dressed up to attend, and they are surrounded by water.

In Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, known as the 'Highland Jiangnan', I experienced the tranquil beauty away from the worldly noise. In the month of April, Labrang Monastery is brimming with spring vitality , and all things are reviving . Here, I lingered among the ancient and quaint temple buildings , feeling the charm of religious culture . After a spiritual cleansing, I couldn't help but ponder the meaning of life. Against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, Labrang Monastery appears even more mysterious and majestic. Life is like a journey, we need to slow down to appreciate different landscapes , and experience different cultures.

Labrang Monastery, I visited with friends who enjoy outdoor activities eleven years ago. This time, on a self-driving tour around Gansu and Qinghai, I'm planning to return via southern Gansu and Sichuan, passing through Xiahe once again. Back then, I really liked staying in youth hostels, where one room could house a dozen people, and the night was filled with the sound of snoring. Times have changed, and I can no longer stand to stay there, as my sleep quality has greatly diminished . Compared to ten years ago, the prayer wheel path is still bustling with people. The former dirt road has been transformed into a paved one, no longer dusty and chaotic. The 3.8-kilometer-long world's longest prayer wheel is more vibrant and eye-catching than before, completely renewed. Compared to Ta'er Monastery, Labrang Monastery is grander in scale and more down-to-earth. The Buddha statues in each temple are not as mysteriously concealed as those in Ta'er Monastery. After purchasing a ticket, at the guide assignment spot, a group of twenty tourists can be arranged to have a lama guide them for free, who is responsible for leading and explaining. Visiting Labrang Monastery, there are several must-do things: Walk around the prayer wheel corridor, 3.8 kilometers, about 40 minutes Climb the Gongtang Pagoda - to see the panoramic view of the monastery Visit the Wensi Hall - the great sutra tower To truly understand Tibetan Buddhism icon, it is necessary to have a guide during the visit to the monastery; otherwise, it's just a visit. Of course, having been to Labrang Monastery, one of the six major Gelug monasteries in Gansu's Xiahe, the trip is worthwhile.

Gannan, this secret realm praised by 'National Geographic' as a 'must-visit in a lifetime', what charm does it hold? It's not Tibet, yet it has a similar Tibetan culture, stunning natural scenery, and few tourists. 📍 Location: Southwest Gansu Province 🚗 Travel Guide: First arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then transfer to various places in Gannan. 🔍 Tour Route: 1. Lanzhou → Gannan Secret Realm → Labrang Monastery → Xiahe 2. Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland → Zhagana 3. Zhagana → Ruoergai Flower Lake → Nine-Bend Yellow River → Tangke 4. Tangke → Wache Tower Forest → Hongyuan, Moon Bay → Jiuzhi 5. Jiuzhi → Lianbaoyuze → Aba 6. Jiuzhi → Awan Warehouse Wetland → Gahai Lake → Langmu Temple 7. Langmu Temple → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Linxia → Lanzhou 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Gannan Secret Realm: The greenery here can heal the soul, with Bajiao City, Baishi Cliff, and Baishi Cliff Temple, each spot is breathtakingly beautiful. 2. Labrang Monastery: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the 'World's Tibetan Academy'. Remember to rent a set of Tibetan clothes and experience this sanctity. 3. Sangke Grassland: A plateau at an altitude of 4000 meters, step on the grassland and look up at the sky. 4. Self-drive Rock's Road: Follow Joseph Rock, cross the Guanggai Mountain, and explore Diebu Zhagana. 5. Zhagana: Pure, primitive, and tranquil, the beauty here is unforgettable. 🍜 Food Recommendations: Milk tea, fried dough sticks, Zanba, yogurt, meat dumplings, meat buns, noodles, and hand-grabbed mutton, etc. 📝 Travel Tips: 1. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, bring a jacket, and cold protection in the morning and evening is essential. 2. Equipment: Thermos, power bank, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, rain gear, etc. 3. Medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, band-aids, etc. Are you ready? Let's embark on the secret journey of Gannan together and feel the magic and beauty of this land! 🧳🌄

Recently, I started writing my first career mystery novel, 'Pawns and Castaways.' For someone like me who enjoys sports and traveling, settling down is not an easy task. However, once I do settle down, I can immerse myself in my own world, artistically transforming my past experiences into words, as if watching how that younger me once honed into a Buddha through the trials of the workplace. Once I enter the writing state, I can't stop, but sometimes I drift away. At such times, flipping through those 'on the road' photos can instantly set me off. The endless winding mountain roads, the endless layers of mountain ranges, the endless wildflowers in the fields. Years ago, I drove through Gannan, bought some Lanzhou bing and beef tendons, and hit the road, with the first stop at Labrang Monastery. Labrang Monastery is located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is a transliteration of the Tibetan 'Labrang,' meaning the mansion of a living Buddha master. Labrang Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is acclaimed as the 'World's Tibetan Academy.' Watching the young monks in front of the temple, I began to let my thoughts wander: Where do they come from? What kind of families do they have? What will their futures be like?... 152 kilometers south of Labrang Monastery lies a pristine lake, locally known as Gaga Lake (Picture 2), meaning a small lake. When I visited, there were no tourists, and no entrance fee was charged. It is said that now it has become the Gaga Zecha Nature Reserve, with wooden walkways built, turning it into a popular scenic spot. To be honest, I would rather it not be developed, remaining that small, pristine lake, tranquil and indifferent, untouched by the world's hustle and bustle.

One must take a trip to Gannan, right? To cross the life's tribulations, To feel the winds of the secret realms of Ganjia, To spin the prayer wheels at Labrang Monastery, To wait for the sunset in Zoige, To see the prayer flags fluttering in Luqu, Carrying blessings with the wind, the devout faith in our hearts, This is the journey through the pure land of Tibet. 🚩Collection of Routes: 🚗【Gannan 3 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Milarepa's Buddha Pavilion — Rock's Road — Zhagana D2: Zhagana — Little Duku — Zoige Flower Lake — Langmu Temple D3: Langmu Temple — Sangke Grassland — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 4 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Milarepa's Buddha Pavilion — Rock's Road — Zhagana D2: Zhagana — Fairy Beach — Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D3: Tangke — Langmu Temple (Sichuan Temple) — Sangke Grassland — Xiahe D4: Xiahe — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 5 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Milarepa's Buddha Pavilion — Rock's Road — Zhagana D2: Zhagana — Fairy Beach — Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D3: Tangke — Lianbao Yezhe — Gemu Monastery — Jiuzhi D4: Jiuzhi — Langmu Temple (Sichuan Temple) — Sangke Grassland — Xiahe D5: Xiahe — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 5 Days】【Lesser-Known】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Dayugou — Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County D2: Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County — Rock's Road — Zhagana D3: Half-day in Zhagana — Cuomei Peak — Langmu Temple D4: Langmu Temple — Sichuan Temple (Namo Gorge) — Zecha Stone Forest — Luqu D5: Luqu — Through Sangke Grassland — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 6 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Dayugou — Zhuoni D2: Zhuoni — Rock's Road — Zhagana D3: Zhagana — Little Duku — Zoige Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D4: Tangke — Lianbao Yezhe — Gemu Monastery — Jiuzhi D5: Jiuzhi — Langmu Temple (Sichuan Temple) — Sangke Grassland — Xiahe D6: Xiahe — Labrang Monastery — Ganjia Secret Realm — Lanzhou 🌹【Gannan 6 Days】【Lesser-Known】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Dayugou — Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County D2: Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County — Rock's Road — Zhagana D3: Half-day in Zhagana — Cuomei Peak — Diebu County D4: Diebu County — Zoige Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D5: Tangke — Langmu Temple (Namo Gorge) — Zecha Stone Forest — Luqu County D6: Luqu County — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou For detailed itinerary and more routes, click to consult me 🍊

Gannan, a treasure land forgotten in the world, is where many people's hearts are directed~ Different from the altitude of Tibet, the Tibetan style is no less impressive, and every corner is full of surprises and charm! If it's your first time in Gannan, these 7 places are a must-visit! ❤️Zhagana The original and tranquil village is built against the mountain, with rich greenery catching your eye. At sunrise, the morning mist is diffused, filled with a fairy-like aura ❤️Lianbao Yezhe Known as the 'entrance to the devil's world', the azure lake is surrounded by rocky mountains, which looks even better from an aerial view, and it's also a great place for shooting road movies ❤️Labrang Monastery The Tsinghua and Peking University of Tibetan Buddhism, with a super long scripture-turning corridor, the white pills are very effective for treating stomach diseases and are reasonably priced The stern White Stone Cliff, the mysterious Octagonal City, the endless green grassland. Play in reverse from 'Qiushi Mystery': ❤️Gannan Mystery- White Stone Cliff Temple-Octagonal Ancient City-White Stone Cliff Caves ❤️Flower Lake More beautiful than the Swiss wetlands, on the boundless grassland, wildflowers bloom, and herds of cattle and sheep roam ❤️The First Bend of the Yellow River The Yellow River is still clear here, winding like a ribbon on the grassland, reflecting the sunrise and sunset ❤️Namo Grand Canyon The profound canyon is stunningly beautiful, you can ride horses into it, or hike. There are also attractions like 'Fairy Cave' and 'Tiger Cave' ❤️Langmu Monastery Dividing Gansu and Sichuan, Gansu Langmu Monastery is a must-visit, the golden top sunrise is especially beautiful in the morning, just remember it's a bit cold, so don't forget a thick coat

The most famous in Xiahe is undoubtedly the "Labrang Monastery", as one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Labrang Monastery is known as the "World Tibetan Academy", Labrang is a variant of the Tibetan "Lazhang", meaning the residence of the living Buddha master. Chosen by the first Jamyang Awang Zongzhe on the banks of the Daxia River, it was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. The monastery is large in scale and strict in hierarchy, and is the center of religion, culture, and education in the Amdo region. The morning sun shines on the entire Daxia River valley, illuminating the majestic golden dome and white walls of Labrang Monastery, with the smoke of mulberry trees lingering and the sky pure. Entering the monastery, you enter the world of religion. The entire monastery is composed of Buddhist halls, scripture halls, white pagodas, and monk houses, extending from high to low from the top of the mountain, with bright yellow, crimson, dark brown, and pure white intense colors, constructing a magnificent architectural complex. Until outside the Buddhist hall, you see the Tibetans who are prostrating themselves in a line, raising their hands and falling down, their bodies rising and falling, the sound of "papapa" knocking echoing endlessly. The periphery of the monastery is the longest prayer wheel corridor in the world, with more than 2,000 large and small prayer wheels arranged in the corridor, with a circumference of 3 kilometers, the believers holding Buddhist beads, chanting Buddhist scriptures, and turning the prayer wheels quickly and forcefully, their steps firm and forward, day after day, year after year, perhaps for them faith is innate... Everything is so quiet, the noon sun shines on Labrang Monastery, it's time to leave. Leaving Xiahe on the expressway, turning from G816 to G75, arriving in Lanzhou three hours later, thus the 2,500-kilometer Gansu-Qinghai loop is successfully completed.