Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai Province
Ta'er Monastery, known as Kumbum Monastery, is situated in the Lusar Town of Huangzhong County, 25 kilometers southwest away from Xining, capital city of Qinghai Province.
The monastery was built in 1379 with a history of more than 600 years. It sits on the slopes of a mountain, covering an area of 600 mu (40 hectares).
Ta'er Monastery now ranks as a national 5A tourist area, the highest honor of China's tourist attractions. Admission: 80 yuan (US$12.56)/person
As one of the six famous monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore, it is a well-known holy land for Buddhist pilgrims.
The whole complex of the monastery is a place of great historical and religious significance. Blending the Han and Tibetan architectural styles, it is also a stunning repository of Tibetan arts and cultural relics.
The magnificent Large Golden Tiled Temple is the main building of the monastery. The most famous three artistic wonders that the monastery boasts are exquisite frescos, lifelike yak butter sculptures and amazingly beautiful embossed embroidery.
