Live Your Best Lives
At Labrang Monastery in Gansu, you can:
Labrang Monastery is renowned both domestically and internationally for its grand scale, rich collections, long history, and numerous monks. It is located on the banks of the Daxia River, west of Xiahe County. Founded in 1710 by the first Jamyang Living Buddha, the monastery has undergone renovations and expansions by successive Jamyangs and has become the largest Tibetan religious and cultural center in Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan. It is one of the six principal monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism in China. Covering 1,234 mu (approximately 1,234 mu) and with a construction area of 823,000 square meters, it boasts six scripture halls, 84 Buddhist temples, 31 Tibetan-style buildings, 30 Buddhist courtyards, over 500 prayer wheel rooms, and over 1,000 monk quarters. Its unique architectural style and exquisite artistry make it a truly exceptional example of Tibetan architecture.
Every year from the 4th to the 17th day of the first lunar month, from the 29th day of the sixth lunar month to the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, as well as the Buddha-drinking and Sutra-debating activities on the 13th day of the first lunar month and the 8th day of the seventh lunar month, the temple is bustling with people. Believers and monks gather here from all directions to participate in and watch various ceremonies and dances, ancient Tibetan operas and Namu special dramas, and colorful butter sculptures.
Recommended playing time: about 2 hours
40/person, no ticket is required unless you enter the main hall.
08:00~18:00
Labrang Monastery, founded in 1709, is one of the six great Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of the Gelug school. It is an important cultural and religious center for Tibetan Buddhism in the Amdo region, attracting thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year. The monastery has played a key role in preserving Tibetan culture and religion, and it is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings.
Labrang Monastery is located in Xiahe County, Gansu Province, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from the nearest city, Lanzhou, which is about 230 kilometers away. There are also buses from other parts of Gansu, but the journey to Labrang can take several hours. There is no metro service in this remote area.
Labrang Monastery is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the early morning and late afternoon, when the light is softer and the monastery is less crowded.
The entrance fee for Labrang Monastery is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance, and there is no need to book tickets in advance.
No, tickets do not need to be booked in advance. You can buy them directly at the entrance when you arrive.
You can fully explore Labrang Monastery in 2 to 3 hours. This includes visiting the main temples, walking the kora, and experiencing the surrounding areas.
The must-see highlights include:
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and there may be limited availability of English-speaking guides. It's recommended to arrange a tour in advance if you're interested in a guided experience. Audio guides are generally not available.
The best viewpoints for photography are:
A recommended route is to start at the entrance and visit the central temple first. Then, take a walk along the kora, visiting smaller temples along the way. Finally, explore the Tibetan Medicine Center before heading to the surrounding areas for panoramic views of the landscape.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Labrang Monastery. The monastery is a place of quiet reflection and spiritual activity, and it is primarily visited during the day.
Labrang Monastery can be crowded, especially during Tibetan festivals or peak tourist seasons (summer). To avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season (autumn or spring) and try to go early in the morning on weekdays.
There are basic facilities available at Labrang Monastery, including toilets and resting areas. There are small shops selling Tibetan crafts and religious items. Food and water can be purchased from vendors nearby or within the monastery complex.
The monastery is generally accessible to elderly and children, though the kora and some temples may involve walking on uneven paths and stairs. Visitors with mobility impairments may find the terrain challenging, as there are limited facilities for disabled visitors.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used in the area. It's advisable to carry cash for small purchases at the monastery or local shops.
Nearby, you can find several Tibetan and Chinese restaurants offering local dishes such as yak meat, Tibetan bread, and noodle soups. There are also small cafes where you can enjoy Tibetan butter tea and other local snacks.
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially Tibetan-style vegetarian dishes. Vegan and halal options may be limited, but some restaurants catering to diverse clientele may offer these options upon request.
There are several guesthouses and small hotels in Xiahe County, near Labrang Monastery. Options range from budget guesthouses to more comfortable hotels like Labrang Hotel and Gannan Minzu Hotel.
Nearby attractions include:
Yes, there are souvenir shops near Labrang Monastery selling Tibetan crafts, prayer wheels, incense, Tibetan jewelry, and religious statues. These make great keepsakes or gifts.
After visiting Labrang Monastery, you can take a bus or taxi back to Lanzhou, which is the nearest major city with more transportation options. Public buses and taxis also run to nearby towns, and rental cars are available for those wanting to explore further.
