The Spiritual Beacon of Amdo Tibetan Region—Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion

On the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, a striking red Tibetan Buddhist architectural complex stands majestically under the blue sky. This is the Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion, hailed as the "Pearl of Amdo Tibetan Culture." When the first rays of morning sunlight pierce through the mist and the golden roof of the pavilion radiates a sacred glow, the entire valley is bathed in tranquility. Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, this pavilion is a significant spiritual site for the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its unique "outer eight, inner five" architectural layout symbolizes the stages of tantric practice, with the nine-story pavilion resembling a three-dimensional mandala. Ascending the steep wooden stairs feels like climbing the path of spiritual practice. At each corner, prayer wheels inscribed with the six-syllable mantra glisten with a warm patina from years of devotion. On the third floor, the tantric hall houses precious Milarepa thangkas, depicting the master's enlightenment journey in snowy mountain caves. The pavilion's most enchanting moment comes in the afternoon. As sunlight streams into the prayer hall, thousands of butter lamps illuminate the murals in resplendent gold. The chanting of monks and the sound of ritual bells intertwine, while the aroma of roasted barley fills the air. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims around the pavilion's prayer flag forest, where each fluttering flag carries heartfelt wishes. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can gaze out at grasslands stretching like green waves to the foot of snow-capped mountains. Every year on the fifteenth day of the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar, the "Pavilion Buddha Exhibition Festival" unveils a massive thangka of Shakyamuni on the hillside, drawing tens of thousands of devotees in a spectacular gathering. On regular days, you might encounter a smiling monk offering you a blessed khata. Travel Tips: 1. Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM 2. Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 hours 3. Notes: Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer halls; avoid pointing at statues. 4. Best Season: May to October (some areas may close during winter) As the sound of ritual drums echoes at dusk and the wind chimes on the pavilion's eaves ring softly, you'll realize this is not just a religious sanctuary but a place for spiritual reflection. The mantras carved into the mani stones will grow into eternal lotus flowers in your memory. 👉 In-depth Travel Itinerary: Day 1: Lanzhou—Ganga Secret Land—Labrang Monastery Day 2: Xiahe—Sangke Grassland—Guomang Wetland—Langmu Monastery Day 3: Langmu Monastery—Ruoergai Flower Lake—First Bend of the Yellow River—Tangke/Ruoergai Day 4: Tangke—Zagana Day 5: Zagana—Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion—Lanzhou City (end of tour) Have questions about the itinerary? Feel free to message us for a personalized cultural journey!