Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai: A Song Leads to a City

Inspired by the song "People of Qinghai," I embarked on a journey to Qinghai. - Ta'er Monastery, a radiant gem nestled in the Lianhua Mountain valley in Qinghai Province, shines with the unique brilliance of Tibetan Buddhist culture. - Every brick and tile here whispers tales of millennia-old stories and faith, every inch of land imbued with wisdom and Zen. - Encounter Ta'er Monastery, discover a sanctuary for the soul. - 🎈Highlights of Ta'er Monastery🎈 ✅Eight Stupas of the Eight Great Events in the Buddha’s Life ✅Protector’s Hall (Hufadain) ✅Hall of Longevity (Qishoudian) ✅Kalachakra Mandala ✅Grand Assembly Hall (Dajingtang) ✅Kalachakra College (Shilun Jingyuan) ✅Butter Sculpture Hall (Suyouhua Guan) ✅Sutra Repository (Zangjinglou) ✅Tantric College (Mizong Jingyuan) ✅Vajradhatu Mandala ✅Tara Hall (Dumudian) ✅Auspicious Palace (Jixiang Xinggong) PS: Some of the above are currently not open to the public. - 🚌Transportation ✅Taxi from the city center costs around CNY 40. ✅Take bus No. 909 directly to the monastery. ✅Walk about 800 meters from the bus stop to the entrance of Ta'er Monastery. - 💰Tickets ✅Peak season: CNY 70 (Apr 1–Oct 31) ✅Off season: CNY 40 (Nov 1–Mar 31) - PS: Please note that after booking tickets online, you must exchange them for physical tickets at the self-service ticket machines, otherwise you will not be able to enter (as the ticket gates cannot scan online tickets). - ⏰Opening Hours ✅8:00–17:00. Plan your visit according to your own schedule. - 🍵Food Recommendations ✅Qinghai's beef and mutton are a must-try. ✅Noodles and yogurt are also highly recommended. ✅It is not recommended to dine around Ta'er Monastery. The food is expensive and not very tasty. PS: It is recommended to bring your own snacks and water. - 🏠Accommodation Recommendations ✅Xining city center (more options available during the off season) - It is recommended to hire a guide. If you don't do your homework, many things will be difficult to understand. ✅Guide prices during peak season are for reference: 1–5 people: CNY 160; 6–10 people: CNY 200; 10–15 people: CNY 240; 15–20 people: CNY 280; 21+ people: CNY 15 per person (group rate). - Important Notes ✅Photography is not allowed inside most of the buildings within the monastery. ✅Many pilgrims prostrate themselves inside Ta'er Monastery. Please do not disturb them. ✅Respect local customs and avoid loud noises. ✅Women are advised to dress modestly and avoid wearing short skirts.