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The Milarepa Pavilion, also known as the Nine-Storey Pavilion, was built to commemorate Milarepa. Its special feature is that all major factions are housed in one temple.
The first floor is the Maitreya Hall; the second floor is the Gelug, Kadam and Sakya Buddhist Halls; the third floor is the Nyingma Hall; the fourth floor is the Bodhisattva Hall; the fifth floor is the Kagyu Buddhist Hall; the sixth floor is the Tantric Hall; the seventh floor is the Tantric Master Inheritance Hall; the eighth floor is the Five Buddhas and Buddha Hall; the ninth floor is the Vajra Mandala; the higher-level Buddhist halls will be closed from time to time, and can only be seen if you have a chance.
Hezuo City belongs to the high-altitude and humid climate type, with a long cold season and a short warm season. It has sufficient sunshine throughout the year and a high utilization rate of solar energy.
1-2 hours
The pavilion is primarily dedicated to the legendary Milarepa, a figure known to all Tibetans. The nine-story building houses 1,720 statues of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions, including Milarepa and his disciples, as well as numerous statues of the Four Tantric Buddhism, including Bodhisattvas and Dharma protectors.
Various murals reflecting Tibetan Buddhism are huge in scale, with superb painting techniques and high artistic value.
Each floor of the Buddha Pavilion has a different theme:
The first layer is dedicated to several main Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Jampa Buddha (i.e. Maitreya Buddha of Chinese Buddhism), Sakyamuni, Manjushri, Avalokitesvara, Vajrapani, Medicine Buddha, Tara, White Umbrella, etc.
The second layer mainly consists of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Sect, and his disciples;
The third floor is home to the oldest Tibetan Buddhist sect, the Nyingma sect (Red Sect), with its masters Padmasambhava, Shivatso, and King Trisong Detsen.
Each layer represents an era or a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, and includes deified Tibetan cultural celebrities from past dynasties, such as Thonmi Sambhota, who created the Tibetan script, Tangtong Gyalpo, the ancestor of Tibetan opera, Yutuo Yuandan Gongbu, the originator of Tibetan medicine, and of course, Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng.
20 yuan
8:00-18:00
The Milarepa Buddha Pavilion is dedicated to Milarepa, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist figure known for his devotion and spiritual enlightenment. The pavilion holds religious significance as it honors his teachings and contributions to Buddhism. Located in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is a symbol of Tibetan culture and spirituality.
The Milarepa Buddha Pavilion is located in Gannan, Gansu Province. The nearest major city is Lanzhou, and you can reach the pavilion by taking a bus or private car from Lanzhou, which takes about 4-5 hours. There are no direct metro connections, but taxis can take you to the site once you're in Gannan.
The pavilion is open year-round, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer. Summer can be crowded, and winters can be cold and snowy, so be prepared for weather conditions if visiting during that time.
The entrance fee is typically around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site at the pavilion entrance. Online ticket purchases are not generally required, as the site is not as commercialized as some other major attractions in China.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance unless you plan to visit during peak seasons (like Chinese New Year or national holidays). In such cases, booking a few days in advance is recommended to avoid long lines and sold-out tickets.
You will need about 1-2 hours to fully explore the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion, including time for sightseeing, photography, and experiencing the spiritual atmosphere. If you plan to walk around the surrounding areas, it could take an additional hour.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides are rare. Audio guides may be available, but they are mostly in Chinese. It’s recommended to arrange for a private guide or use a translation app if you prefer an English explanation.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no regular light shows or special tours. However, the pavilion may host occasional spiritual or cultural events, so it is worth checking for any special offerings before your visit.
The pavilion is less crowded compared to major tourist sites, but it can get busy during weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially in the mornings, are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as public toilets and drinking water are available near the pavilion. There are no large restaurants or shopping centers on-site, but there are small local shops where you can buy souvenirs and snacks.
The pavilion has some stairs and uneven ground, so it may be challenging for disabled visitors or elderly people with mobility issues. However, children and the elderly can enjoy the visit if they are able to walk short distances. It is recommended to bring assistance if needed.
Cash is commonly used in the area, but mobile payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at most places. Credit card payments may not be widely accepted, so it’s better to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are a few small local eateries around the pavilion serving simple Tibetan and Chinese food. If you are looking for a larger selection of restaurants, you may need to travel to the nearby town center.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the local restaurants, as Tibetan cuisine includes various vegetable-based dishes. Halal options may be limited, but some local restaurants may cater to Muslim visitors.
There are a few guesthouses and small hotels in the Gannan region, but for more extensive accommodations, you may need to stay in Lanzhou, which offers a wider range of hotels and is about a 4-5 hour drive from the pavilion.
Yes, there are a few souvenir shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, religious items, and local artwork. Typical souvenirs include Tibetan jewelry, prayer flags, and handmade crafts such as carpets and textiles.
After visiting the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion, you can take a taxi or private car back to Lanzhou or explore nearby sites like Labrang Monastery. If you are traveling to other areas of Gansu or Tibet, local buses and private transport can be arranged for further travel.
