Muli Monastery: The Golden Faith Beneath the Snowy Mountains

Muli Monastery is more than 300 kilometers from Xichang, hidden deep in the mountains of western Sichuan. Due to its special status in the Tibetan region, it is well worth a dedicated visit. I traveled from Xichang by minibus to Muli County, then hired a car to get there. 🌟【Must-See Highlights】🌟 📜 Long History and Cultural Significance: With a history of over 300 years, it was once one of the largest Gelug monasteries in the Kham Tibetan area and served as the political and religious center of the Muli Kingdom. Grand Buddhist ceremonies are held annually, with traditional rituals such as scripture chanting and cham dances still fully preserved. The Muli Living Buddha holds a highly respected position, second only to the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, making festival times especially lively. 🏯 Magnificent Architecture and Solemn Statues: The temple buildings are made of wood and earth, featuring a grand Tibetan-style fortress hall with golden roofs, colorful paintings, and overlapping corridors, creating a stunning visual impact. Outside the temple, white stupas, grasslands, and snowy mountains complement each other, offering expansive views. Inside, there is a nearly 20-meter-tall copper statue of Jowo Qiangba (Maitreya Buddha), cast during the Qing Kangxi era. The statue’s legs alone are taller than houses, solemn and striking. 📸 A Prime Spot for Photos and Scenic Views: Backed by a sacred mountain and facing the Litang River, the scenery is beautiful year-round—peach blossoms in spring and colorful forests in autumn. Nearby, the Manacha Golden Viewing Platform offers an excellent vantage point to gaze at the three sacred mountains of Daocheng. As early as the 20th century, American Rock made this place famous worldwide in his book "Muli: The Tibetan Gelugpa Kingdom of China." 🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day, free admission 📍 Address: At the foot of Daniyabu Mountain, Niyidian Village, Taoba Township, Muli Tibetan Autonomous County, Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province 📌 Tips: The Gelug school, also known as the Yellow Hat sect, emphasizes discipline and academic systems. Muli Monastery is an important place for its heritage.