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Youning Temple, a provincial-level cultural relic protection site, is known by its full Tibetan name, "Guolong Maitreyazhou," and abbreviated as "Guolong Temple." It is located in Shitan Village, Wushi Township, 35 kilometers east of Weiyuan Town, the county seat, and 65 kilometers from the provincial capital, Xining. Construction began in 1604, the 32nd year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, giving it a 400-year history. It is a popular religious pilgrimage destination. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the area served as a passage from Tibet to various parts of Inner Mongolia via Qinghai, and is home to a diverse mix of indigenous, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Han people, all devoted to Tibetan Buddhism. The temple occupies a large, multi-level hillside at the southern foot of the Daban Mountains, a site that requires two to three hours to fully explore.
Youning Temple holds a unique position among Qinghai's Buddhist temples. Due to its numerous renowned monks and the high religious status of five living Buddhas, including Zhangjia, its historical scale and influence once surpassed that of Ta'er Monastery, earning it the title "Mother of All Huangbei Monasteries." Consequently, many scholars, both domestic and international, continue to visit and research Youning Temple. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed for the third time during the Cultural Revolution. Although three halls have been restored, its scale is far smaller than before, and its cultural relics and historical sites are virtually gone.
The continental cold temperate climate; the mountains around Youning Temple are majestic and spectacular, with dense forests, and the river valley at the foot of the mountain has a flat terrain and fertile soil. It is inhabited by Tu people with simple folk customs, making the religious temples, beautiful natural scenery and Tu village customs integrated into one. It is a very attractive tourist scenic spot in Qinghai Province, suitable for travel in all seasons.
Small Sutra Hall, Large Sutra Hall, Maitreya Hall;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Free and open
8:00-18:00
Youning Temple is a historical Buddhist temple known for its rich spiritual significance and its long history. It has been an important site for meditation and Buddhist practices for centuries, contributing to the religious and cultural life of the region.
Youning Temple is located in the Mutual Aid area of Qinghai. It can be reached by taxi or private car. Public transport options may be limited, so using a taxi or walking from a nearby station is recommended.
The temple is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild. It is quieter on weekdays, with weekends being more crowded.
The entrance fee to Youning Temple is around 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance or via local ticket offices. It is recommended to buy tickets on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not generally necessary, but it is advisable to do so during peak travel seasons or holidays. A day or two in advance is usually sufficient.
It will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the temple, including time to view the architecture, participate in ceremonies, and walk around the grounds.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. English-speaking guides may be available on request, but it’s best to check in advance. Audio guides may also be offered in some languages.
The temple’s courtyards and surrounding nature provide the best spots for photography. The temple’s main hall, with its intricate details, also offers a great backdrop for photos.
Start with the main hall to observe the rituals, then explore the surrounding courtyards and gardens. Take time to visit the smaller shrines and statues spread throughout the temple grounds.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Youning Temple. It is best visited during daylight hours to appreciate its architecture and natural surroundings.
The temple can get busy during weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are the least crowded times to visit.
The temple grounds have uneven paths, and while the main areas can be accessed by elderly or disabled visitors, some parts of the temple may require climbing stairs, making it challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used. Credit cards are less commonly accepted in smaller shops.
There are a few local restaurants nearby offering traditional Chinese meals. For more dining options, you may need to travel to the city center of Mutual Aid.
Vegetarian food is commonly available at local restaurants near the temple, as it is aligned with Buddhist dietary practices. Halal options may be limited, but can be found in larger cities nearby.
There are a few budget hotels and guesthouses in the area. For more luxurious accommodations, consider staying in the city center of Mutual Aid, which is a short drive away.
Souvenir shops are available near the temple entrance, selling items such as Buddhist statues, prayer beads, incense, and traditional handicrafts.
Taxi or private car are the most convenient ways to continue your trip. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps like Didi can be used to travel to nearby attractions or the city center.
