About Kumbum Monastery
Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si) is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, built in 1583 at the birthplace of Tsongkhapa — the founder of the Yellow Hat sect and the spiritual ancestor of the Dalai Lama. The monastery is located 26 kilometers southwest of Xining, at a more accessible altitude than Lhasa.
The monastery complex features stunning architecture — golden-roofed temples, white stupas, and monk quarters — spread across a hillside. The main temples contain intricate murals, butter sculptures (a Tibetan art form), and embroidered thangkas. The monastery was once home to over 2,000 monks, and today remains an active center of Buddhist learning. Visitors can observe monks in prayer, explore the temples, and learn about Tibetan Buddhist art and philosophy.
What Not to Miss
The Great Golden Temple — the main hall with golden roof and Buddha statues.
The butter sculptures — intricate Tibetan art form made from colored butter.
The murals — extensive wall paintings depicting Buddhist teachings.
