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.

📣 If you don't know where to go for the May Day holiday, head to Gannan! Grasslands, lakes, 🏔️ snow-capped mountains, 💐 seas of flowers, wetlands, 🌲 forests, rivers, temples, ☁️ blue skies with white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm—all your beautiful imaginations can be found in Gannan. ❓❗ Is it worth going to Gannan for May Day? ✅ Fewer people→ Gannan has relatively fewer people during May Day, so you won't be stuck in crowds of people everywhere you go👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 ✅ Tibetan culture→ Rich in Tibetan culture, the world-renowned Tibetan academy 'Labrang Monastery' is located here. You can experience Tibetan specialty foods🍲, take Tibetan-style portraits, and more ✅ Low altitude→ The average altitude is around 3000 meters, which is considered a 'low altitude' area in Tibet, 👍🏻 and most people will not suffer from altitude sickness ✅ Low cost→ Prices increase slightly during May Day, but are much lower compared to July and August ❓❗ What can you see in Gannan during May Day? ✅ Only in May can you see the half snow-capped mountains🏔️ and half green lands! ✅ Secluded and leisurely Tibetan villages, sacred and solemn temples, fewer noisy tourists, making this land peaceful and quiet, allowing you to calm down, contemplate life, and feel the devout Tibetan faith ✅ The beauty lies in the landscape, and when you're at the scenic spot, the feeling of having the mountains and waters all to yourself is undoubtedly a pleasure 💫 First stop of the journey—Lanzhou city walk, check in with the taste of the Northwest 💫 Sangke Grassland—Endless meadows where you can ride horses🐴 💫 Zhagana—Natural stone city, God's Eden 💫 Flower Lake—Ruoergai Wetland, encounter the distant Black-necked Cranes 💫 Labrang Monastery—World-renowned Tibetan academy, appreciate the profound Tibetan culture 💫 Langmu Temple—The Eastern Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La 💫 Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—A resplendent Tibetan cultural museum 💫 Select comfortable accommodations along the way, 🏨 stay comfortably, relax and rest 💫 38 degrees users are mostly young people aged 16-39, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere 🌈 This route is suitable for friends who are visiting Gannan for the first time! 👍🏻 First encounter with Gannan >> Lanzhou distribution >> 3+1 days D1 Nationwide - Free travel to Lanzhou D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland - Diebu D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmu Temple D4 Langmu Temple - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou 📣PS: The itinerary includes buses & cars, two different ways to play, choose your travel style freely based on your schedule Tips: 1⃣️ The grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night, ☔ the weather is changeable, bring a thick coat, the night sky is beautiful 2⃣️ Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, 🌞 the UV rays are strong in the plateau areas 3⃣️ Although the altitude is not very high, altitude sickness varies from person to person, it is recommended to bring altitude sickness medicine, as well as some chocolate🍫, glucose 4⃣️ There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, be careful when driving

Labrang Monastery is located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is a transliteration of the Tibetan 'Labrang', meaning the residence of the living Buddha master. Labrang Monastery is also one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the 'World's Tibetan Academy'. At its peak, there were more than 4,000 monks. During my trip to Gannan, I passed by this place and walked a full circle around the perimeter of the temple. Although I am not a devout Buddhist, I still felt a sense of reverence. In the process of walking, I felt my restless heart gradually calm down, contemplating the essence of my existence, experiencing a rare sense of relaxation. When I was young, I didn't understand why so many people in the world have religious beliefs. As I grew up, I realized that all beings suffer, and everyone inevitably falls into the trap of greed, hatred, and delusion. There are too many things in life that we desire but cannot obtain and cannot let go of. Through religious faith, one can find solace and liberation for the soul. The architecture of Labrang Monastery is exquisite, exuding a sense of dignity. No one speaks loudly here, for fear of desecrating the divine. It is said that it was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, and the monastery houses more than 10,000 pieces of ethnic artifacts and Buddhist art. There are sixteen large Buddhas over 8 meters tall, made of gilded bronze or sandalwood carvings, in various halls. The variety of medium and small-sized Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, stupas, and ritual instruments is countless. As you walk and observe, whether it's the white pagodas in the temple or the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, they all stir a ripple in your heart, evoking a subtle sense of Zen. On this day, I circumambulated mountains, waters, and stupas, all to encounter you along the way. As a paradise for pilgrims, Labrang Monastery is worth your visit to savor in detail.

In this land with an average altitude of 2900 meters, you can encounter grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, seas of flowers, wetlands, forests, rivers, temples, blue skies and white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm. All your beautiful imaginations can be met in Gannan. The itinerary includes options for coach & car, two different ways to enjoy the trip, and you can freely choose the way to play according to your schedule. 🌈First stop on the itinerary is a city walk in Lanzhou, checking in with the Northwest flavor🌈Sangke Grassland - an endless meadow where you can ride horses 🌈Zhagana - a natural stone city, God's Eden Flower Lake🌈Ruoergai Wetland, encountering the distant Black-necked Crane 🌈Labrang Monastery - a world center of Tibetan studies, experiencing the profound Tibetan culture 🌈Langmu Temple - the Oriental Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La 🌈Anduo Hezuo Monastery's Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - a resplendent Tibetan studies museum 🏨Carefully selected comfortable accommodations along the way, ensuring a comfortable stay. 💰Admission fees: A: Labrang Monastery 40 yuan (entrance to the hall)|Students 20 yuan B: Zhagana 80 yuan|Students 40 yuan C: Flower Lake 105 yuan|Students 75 yuan D: Langmu Temple 30 yuan|Students half price E: Milarepa Buddha Pavilion 20 yuan|Students 10 yuan ⚠️Warm tips for essential items: 1️⃣Gannan is a plateau region with strong ultraviolet radiation, remember to protect yourself from the sun, and be aware of the large temperature difference between day and night, around 5-18°C! 2️⃣Clothing: For travel between April and May, it is recommended to prepare clothes for both spring and winter, lightweight down jackets, windbreakers, and thin outerwear with long sleeves for the daytime 3️⃣Shoes: Comfortable sports shoes/hiking shoes are both suitable 4️⃣Thermal water bottle: When going out for a trip, it is recommended to drink hot water throughout the journey 5️⃣Electronic payment is available, but also carry a small amount of cash 6️⃣Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, face masks

The beauty of nine colors, the secret realm of Gannan🌈 When the first rays of the morning sun sprinkle on Zhagana amidst the clouds🌞 Herds of cattle and sheep stroll on the Sangke Grassland, and red-robed monks murmur scriptures in the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion... The whole world seems peaceful and serene~ Those who are preparing for the May Day holiday, take a look here, you must not miss this niche scenic area❗❗ . 🚘Itinerary at a glance D1⃣️Lanzhou - Gannan Secret Realm - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe D2⃣️Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Langmu Temple - Zhagana D3⃣️Zhagana - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou . 🎨Exquisite Attractions Milarepa Buddha Pavilion: 'Tibetan Buddhism Museum' ✨ The red Tibetan-style nine-story pagoda in Hezuo City of Gansu's Amdo Tibetan area Tips: 🎫20/person Tibetan area V1⃣️ houses the architecture that worships masters of various sects of Tibetan Buddhism, each floor is a separate Buddha hall, representing different sects, worshiping different main deities . Gannan Secret Realm: ✨ In Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture's Xiahe County, Gannan Town, the scenic area contains rich geological structures and unique Tibetan customs Tips: 🎫80/person The eastern part of Ganjia Grassland has the mark of the Silk Road in the ancient Octagonal City, and at the end is the magical Baishi Cliff, with caves, grand canyons, and other landscapes in between . Zhagana: A hidden paradise among the clouds surrounded by mountains, where one can watch the morning mist and the starry sky at night, a utopian land of half fireworks and half celestial Tips: 🎫80/person (half price for student tickets) Dari Viewing Platform is good for watching the sunrise but often crowded, Fairy Beach is the best spot for sunset in the scenic area, with crystal clear water . Labrang Monastery: 'World Tibetan Academy', built against the mountain with red walls and glazed tiles, has the world's longest prayer corridor Tips: 🎫 Main hall, namely Wensi Hall, 40/person, Gontang Pagoda 20/person The prayer corridor should be visited clockwise, and there is a wooden bridge across the Daxia River to the southwest of the monastery, where you can take a panoramic photo of Labrang Monastery 50 meters south of the Buddha sunning platform . Langmu Temple: Not a temple but a town, the Bailong River inside the town divides Langmu Temple into two, which are Gerdeng Monastery in Sichuan and Sertri Monastery in Gansu Tips: 🎫30/person (same price for both temples) The Flesh Relic Hall in Sichuan Gerdeng Monastery is the essence of Langmu Temple, and you can also pass through the Namo Grand Canyon, through the Fairy Cave, Tiger Cave, and explore the source of the Bailong River . Sangke Grassland: One of the largest highland grasslands in Gannan, also a natural pasture, where local Tibetans often pray and celebrate festivals Tips: Grassland protection 💰15 yuan Horse riding price 50-80/30min Respect the local customs and religious beliefs, try not to enter yurts/temples at will, and do not damage stone carvings, prayer flags, etc. . 🌟Considerate Tips 1⃣️The average altitude of Gannan is over 3000m, so it is necessary to prevent altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise 2⃣️You can prepare some anti-altitude sickness medicines, such as Rhodiola, oxygen, and glucose, etc. 3⃣️Colorful clothes can produce photos with richer layers 4⃣️The region is mostly inhabited by Tibetans and some Hui people, so it is necessary to respect local customs and habits

🤔Why should you visit Gannan at least once? 1⃣It's not prone to altitude sickness, Gannan has plateau scenery, but the altitude is relatively moderate, making it the first stop for those challenging the plateau👍 2⃣Great value for money, you can see the authentic Tibetan scenery without spending much, and you don't have to worry about the risk of altitude sickness 3⃣Diverse landscapes, highland grasslands, canyons, wetlands, Tibetan villages, temples, and rural roads, everyone who has been there regrets not going earlier 🌸The best time to enjoy autumn in Gannan September to mid-October 📷Must-visit scenic spots 🍃Zhagana | 💰80 Surrounded by impressive stone mountains! The Dari viewing platform offers a full view of the village, and the Fairy Beach is great for taking photos and playing, with very affordable prices💰 🍃Flower Lake | 💰105 A beautiful marsh wetland, with blue skies and white clouds scattered among the aquatic plants, home to many water birds. It takes 4 hours to walk the entire boardwalk, and there's no shade along the way, so be sure to wear sunscreen and carry an umbrella on sunny days🌂 🍃Labrang Monastery | 💰40 Home to the world's 1⃣ longest prayer wheel corridor! The Buddhist atmosphere is very strong, and if you don't plan to visit the halls, you can enter from the commercial street and take photos outside the walls📷 🍃Jianlangmu Temple | 💰30 To be precise, it's a town with two temples. Gansu Temple leads to the burial platforms, and Sichuan Temple backs onto the Namo Grand Canyon. You can hike deep into nature along the stream, and horseback riding is also an option🐎 🍃Milariba Buddha Pavilion | 💰20 Compared to the other temples, Milariba Buddha Pavilion is smaller, but it contains many exquisite murals, painted sculptures, Thangkas, and statues! You need to take off your shoes or bring shoe covers to enter👣 🍃Huosanku Grassland | 💰Free The Sangke Grassland is vast, with not only highland pastures but also wetland parks, and it's all free. Walking yaks on the grassland, and horseback riding is the right way to experience galloping across the grassland🐂 🍃Guomang Wetland | 💰Free This is a habitat for black-necked cranes, comparable to Bayanbulak, and there's a huge prayer flag. Both close-up and distant photos are very atmospheric🌈 Hurry up and plan for the National Day💖

Located in Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, Labrang Monastery has a history of more than three hundred years and is one of the largest monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Standing on the top of the Gongtang Pagoda and the Buddha Sunning Platform, one can overlook the panoramic view of Labrang Monastery from different directions. The entire monastery faces south with its back to the north, comprising over 90 halls and more than 10,000 rooms, with the Daxia River flowing around it. Under the blue sky and white clouds, against the red walls and green trees, the beauty of Labrang Monastery is truly stunning.

Families planning to travel to Gannan in 2024, take a look! These are all personally tested routes and local delicacies recommended 👍🏻 Here are several routes, you can choose according to your travel time We chose a local small group tour, and the driver arranged for us was a local, which made the trip particularly interesting 😎 In the morning, the driver waited for us on time at the hotel entrance, and along the way, he introduced us to some of the local customs He also let us get off the bus along the way to rest and take photos, and we were lucky to encounter a stunning sunset 🌄 · 🚗 Gannan 4-Day Route: D1: Depart from Lanzhou -- Labrang Monastery - Gannan Secret Realm - Bajiao City - Baishiya Karst Cave D2 - Sangke Grassland - Guomang Wetland - Langmu Monastery - Namo Grand Canyon - First Bend of the Yellow River in Zoige D3 - Zoige Grassland - Zoige Flower Lake - Zhagana D4 - Zhagana - Loke Route - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Darzong Lake - Lanzhou · 🚗 Gannan 5-Day Travel Route: D1: Lanzhou -- Milarepa Buddha Pavilion -- Meiren Grassland -- Loke Route -- Zhagana D2: Zhagana -- Flower Lake -- Zoige Grassland -- First Bend of the Yellow River -- Tangke D3: Tangke -- Wache Monastery -- Moon Bay -- Gemu Monastery -- Lianbao Yezhe -- Aba D4: Aba -- Ningma Monastery -- Awan Warehouse Wetland -- Namo Grand Canyon -- Langmu Monastery -- Xiahe D5: Sangke Grassland -- Labrang Monastery -- Gannan Secret Realm -- Lanzhou · 🚗 Gannan 5-Day Travel Route: D1: Lanzhou -- Gannan Secret Realm -- Labrang Monastery D2: Xiahe -- Sangke Grassland -- Awan Warehouse Wetland -- Ningma Monastery D3: Lianbao Yezhe -- Gemu Monastery -- First Bend of the Yellow River D4: Zoige Grassland/Flower Lake -- Langmu Monastery D5: Langmu Monastery -- Half-day tour of Zhagana D6: Zhagana sunrise mist -- Loke Route -- Niba Village Gongba Monastery -- Milarepa Buddha Pavilion -- Lanzhou · 🍑 Food Recommendations: Gannan's popular restaurant Wuze Linka, Tibetan milk tea, buttered fern root rice, tsampa, stone-cooked lamb, Tibetan yak yogurt Northwestern cuisine is quite strong, be careful to prevent getting 'heaty' ⚠️ Precautions: 🔸 The altitude in the Gannan area is around 3000-4500 meters, pay attention to slow down to avoid catching a cold and prevent altitude sickness, the temperature difference between day and night is large 🔸 Lanzhou airport is far from the city center, you can take an intercity train or airport bus to reach the city center 🔸 On the last day back to Lanzhou, it's around 7 pm, you can eat some local snacks in the city center of Lanzhou, and return the next day