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Longwu Monastery is located at the foot of the western mountain in Longwu Town, the seat of Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. It sits on the middle reaches of the Longwu River and enjoys a pleasant climate. It is a nationally protected key cultural relic site. "Longwu" is a Tibetan word. In the Amdo region, its size, status, and influence are second only to Labrang Monastery in Gansu Province and Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai Province.
Xiarichang of Longwu Temple was the political and religious leader of the twelve tribes of Longwu, and was in charge of all political and religious affairs within and outside the temple. Under him was Xiangzuo, who, together with Longwu Angsuo, handled the temple's political and religious affairs on behalf of Xiarichang.
The main buildings now include the Great Sutra Hall, the Practice Hall, the Xia Ri Cang Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Tiannv Hall, the Manjusri Hall, the Seventh Xia Ri Cang Ling Pagoda, the Tantric Courtyard, the Kalachakra Courtyard and more than 20 other buildings, as well as eight pagodas.
Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture has a plateau continental climate with long cold periods and short warm and cool periods. It has abundant sunlight, strong solar radiation, distinct dry and wet seasons, rainy and hot seasons in the same season, and frequent night rains and strong winds.
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Longwu Temple, located in Huangnan Prefecture, is an important Tibetan Buddhist site in Qinghai. It dates back to the Tang Dynasty and has long been a center for Tibetan Buddhism and culture. The temple is famous for its historical murals, intricate architecture, and religious significance as a place of worship and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists.
Longwu Temple is located in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai. To get there, visitors can take a bus or taxi from Xining, the provincial capital. There are no metro lines in the area, so taxis or local buses are the best way to reach the temple.
The temple is typically open from early morning to late afternoon, usually between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or early afternoon to avoid large crowds, particularly during major Tibetan Buddhist festivals.
The entrance fee to Longwu Temple is usually modest, around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance, as online ticketing is not commonly available for this site.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for Longwu Temple. Tickets can be bought upon arrival, as there are no significant crowding issues outside of major holidays or festivals.
It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore Longwu Temple, including time for sightseeing, photography, and participating in or observing religious ceremonies.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and Tibetan. It is advisable to hire a local guide at the entrance, especially if you are interested in the history and cultural significance of the temple. Audio guides are not commonly provided.
Begin at the main entrance and visit the central prayer hall. Then explore the surrounding courtyards, taking time to appreciate the murals and other religious artworks. If possible, end with a peaceful walk in the surrounding gardens or meditation areas.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Longwu Temple. The temple is generally closed in the evening. Special tours are limited to day visits and typically arranged with local guides.
The temple can become crowded during Tibetan Buddhist festivals and holidays. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas, are available near the temple entrance. There are no large restaurants or shops on-site, but small local vendors may sell snacks and souvenirs nearby.
While the temple grounds are not very large, some areas may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain. It’s recommended to check with local guides for accessibility options before visiting.
Cash is the most common form of payment at Longwu Temple, and mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay may not be accepted. It's best to carry cash, especially if you plan to buy souvenirs or snacks.
There are no large restaurants inside or directly near the temple, but you can find small local eateries offering Tibetan cuisine in the nearby town of Longwu.
Tibetan cuisine around the temple area may offer vegetarian options, though vegan or halal food options may be more limited. It’s best to check with local restaurants for specific dietary preferences.
There are small souvenir stands near the temple where you can find Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, textiles, and religious items like Tibetan prayer flags and Buddha statues.
After visiting Longwu Temple, taxis or local buses are available for onward travel to nearby destinations such as Huangnan city or the Amdo monastery. Public transport may be limited, so renting a car or using a private taxi is recommended for more flexibility.
