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Princess Wencheng Temple, also known as the "Jiaza Princess Temple," is said to have been built by Tibetans during the Tang Dynasty to commemorate Princess Wencheng. Located in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, it lies at the "source of three rivers" in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The Tibetan-style temple nestles against a hundred-meter-high cliff, offering a tranquil setting and a dazzling golden roof. Countless Tibetan scriptures are engraved on the cliffs and larger rocks surrounding the temple.
The three-story temple, including the courtyard, covers over 600 square meters and stands 9.6 meters tall. A statue of Vairocana Buddha is enshrined in the center. The temple is an ancient structure that combines Tang Dynasty artistic style with the flat-roofed architecture of Tibetan architecture. For over 1,300 years, incense has been burning year-round, with butter lamps burning day and night. A constant stream of Tibetan and Han people have come to worship, creating a close bond.
Continental plateau climate;
The best weather is from July to August
free
All day
The Princess Wencheng Temple is dedicated to Princess Wencheng, a historical figure who was sent from the Tang Dynasty to marry the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, in the 7th century. Her marriage played a crucial role in fostering relations between Tibet and China. The temple serves as a symbol of this cultural exchange and the fusion of Tibetan and Chinese cultures.
The Princess Wencheng Temple is located in the northeastern part of Qinghai Province, near Xining. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from Xining, which is the closest city with good transportation links. Public transportation options may be limited, so it's advisable to plan ahead for a taxi or car hire.
The temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the area is less crowded. Winter may be cold, while summer can be busy with tourists.
The entrance fee for the Princess Wencheng Temple is typically around 30-50 RMB, though it can vary. Tickets are sold on-site at the entrance. It's best to buy tickets on the day of your visit.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually required for the Princess Wencheng Temple. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit at the entrance.
You will need about 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple, including visiting the main hall, the gardens, and the surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in Chinese, but English-speaking guides may need to be booked in advance. It’s advisable to check before visiting for language options.
Start by exploring the main temple hall to understand the history and significance of Princess Wencheng. Then, walk through the temple grounds and visit the gardens. End your visit with a walk to the rooftop for stunning views of the landscape.
Night visits are not common, but the temple’s peaceful atmosphere at sunset provides a beautiful experience. No light shows or special tours are available at this time.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and holidays. For a more tranquil experience, it is best to visit during weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid the summer peak tourist season if you prefer fewer crowds.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the temple. There are no major restaurants inside the temple grounds, but small food stalls may be available nearby. It is recommended to bring your own water and snacks if planning to spend extended time in the area.
The temple is accessible for most visitors, though some areas, like the rooftop, may require stairs. The temple grounds are generally well-maintained and suitable for elderly visitors or those with children. However, wheelchair accessibility might be limited in certain areas.
Cash is accepted at the temple, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used in the area. It’s best to carry some cash, as card payment may not always be available.
There are several local restaurants offering Tibetan and Chinese cuisine nearby. You can enjoy traditional Tibetan dishes like yak meat, butter tea, and tsampa (roasted barley flour) in nearby restaurants.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in most local restaurants, particularly those serving Tibetan food. Halal food may be limited but can be found in some areas with a significant Muslim population in the region.
There are guesthouses and mid-range hotels near the temple. For more luxury options, you may need to stay in Xining, which is around an hour’s drive away and offers a wider variety of accommodations.
Souvenir shops near the temple sell Tibetan handicrafts, including prayer beads, rugs, and Tibetan jewelry. Local art and textiles are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting the temple, you can take a taxi or bus to Xining, where you can catch trains, buses, or flights to other destinations in Qinghai or China.
