Live Your Best Lives
At Long En Temple, visitors can explore the serene atmosphere and observe the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. It's a great place for reflection, photography, and learning about the temple's history. Hiking around the temple provides stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscapes.
Also known as "Waxiu Lama Qugar" and in Tibetan as "Longti Tudan Qun Kelin," it is located southeast of the county seat, at Longshijia, across the Dongkequ River in present-day Xiagongma Township. The temple is situated on a terrace, nestled against the mountain and facing the river, with an open, sunny location, covering approximately 200 mu (approximately 1,000 acres). Longen Monastery is the largest Nyingma monastery to have developed in Gande County in recent years, with its parent temple being the Zochin Monastery in Derge, Sichuan Province.
Gande County has a plateau continental semi-humid climate, with an average annual temperature of -2°C and an annual precipitation of 550 mm. Winds are common year-round, with high average wind speeds and frequent, often paroxysmal days, especially in winter and spring. Winds are milder in summer and autumn, generally weaker in the morning and evening, and stronger in the mid-afternoon.
13 yuan
Long En Temple, located in Banma County, Qinghai, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist temple known for its historical architecture and spiritual importance. The temple plays a crucial role in the region's religious life, particularly for the Tibetan community, and is a place of pilgrimage for many Buddhists.
Long En Temple is located in Banma County, Qinghai. The most convenient way to reach the temple is by car. Visitors can take a bus or taxi from Xining to Banma County and then hire a local taxi to reach the temple.
Long En Temple is open year-round. The best times to visit are from May to October, when the weather is pleasant. For a peaceful experience, it's recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
The entrance fee for Long En Temple is typically around ¥20-¥30. Tickets can be purchased directly at the temple's entrance, and there is no need to book tickets online in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. However, it's advisable to confirm your visit with a local tour operator during peak tourist seasons to avoid any inconvenience.
A visit to Long En Temple typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the temple's history and surroundings. If you plan to hike or explore nearby areas, allocate additional time.
Key highlights of Long En Temple include its main prayer hall, intricate carvings, and murals depicting Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Visitors should also take the time to explore the temple's peaceful surroundings.
Guided tours are available at Long En Temple, with most tours conducted in Mandarin and Tibetan. English-speaking guides can be arranged in advance. Audio guides are not commonly offered.
The best photography spots at Long En Temple include the main prayer hall, the temple's exterior with its detailed architecture, and the surrounding mountains. Early morning light creates the best conditions for photography.
The recommended itinerary includes starting with the prayer hall to appreciate the murals and statues, followed by a walk around the temple grounds to enjoy the views. Afterward, take a short hike or explore nearby Tibetan villages for additional experiences.
Night visits or light shows are not available at Long En Temple. However, the peaceful early morning and late evening hours provide an ideal setting for quiet reflection.
The temple is generally not crowded, but weekends and public holidays may see more visitors. For a more tranquil experience, visit on weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon.
Facilities at Long En Temple include basic amenities such as toilets and a small souvenir shop. There are no food services on-site, so it's recommended to bring your own water and snacks.
Long En Temple is generally accessible, but there are some uneven paths and stairs that may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Assistance may be required for those with limited mobility.
Cash is required for purchases, including tickets and souvenirs. Some areas may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay, but it's advisable to carry cash just in case.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside Long En Temple. However, nearby Banma County has several simple Tibetan eateries where visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like tsampa and yak meat. For a wider variety, visitors may want to head to Xining.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in Tibetan cuisine, such as vegetable stews and barley-based dishes. Halal food options may be limited in the area.
Accommodation near Long En Temple consists mostly of basic guesthouses and small hotels in Banma County. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors may consider staying in Xining.
Nearby attractions include other Tibetan monasteries and scenic spots in the Qinghai region. For nature lovers, hiking trails and Tibetan villages provide additional experiences that can be combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops around Long En Temple offer traditional Tibetan crafts such as prayer beads, yak wool scarves, and wooden carvings. Religious items, including prayer flags and thangkas, are also available.
After visiting Long En Temple, the best transportation options are to hire a local taxi or private vehicle to explore other nearby attractions. Alternatively, buses or local taxis can take you to Banma County or Xining for further travel.
