Live Your Best Lives
Located in the northwest of Maketang Town, the county seat, on the terrace on the east bank of a stream 5 kilometers from Nannanzonggou in Kambula Township, and more than 60 kilometers from the county, it is an ancient Nyingma temple in Qinghai.
The temple is located deep in the Kambula forest area, surrounded by rising peaks, steep mountains, lush forests and gurgling springs. It is a famous scenic spot in Qinghai Province.
Jianzha County has a plateau continental climate, a special type of climate found on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its average annual temperature is 7.8°C, with 4,432 hours of sunshine, 350-400 mm of precipitation, and a frost-free period of 186 days. The highest extreme temperature reached 34.1°C on June 28, 1988, and the lowest was -19.8°C on January 17, 1961.
Due to its remote location and inconvenient transportation, the Aqiong Nanzong Temple, despite its long history, is relatively small. According to the Qinghai Chronicle, there were five monks at the time. In the 1950s, a scripture hall, a Buddhist hall, and an Angqian were built, along with 47 monk quarters. Nine households and 18 monks resided at the temple. The temple also had nine mu of arable land and 15 cattle. Its main sources of worship were villages like Dihong.
It was demolished in 1958 and approved for opening in December 1980. A scripture hall and 14 monk's quarters were rebuilt, with 5 monks in the temple.
Aqiong Nanzong Temple is an important gathering place for Nyingma believers from Kambula and Duojia in Jianzha County and Gewa in Guide County. Every year, they hold a gathering once in the third, fourth, ninth and twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Among them, the ceremony on April 13th is larger in scale, with dancing activities, and many people come to watch.
free
Aqiong Nanzong Temple is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Huangnan, Qinghai. It has deep cultural and religious significance for the local Tibetan community and is known for its role in preserving traditional Buddhist practices. The temple is dedicated to the Nanzong sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is an important pilgrimage site.
The temple is located in the Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai. It can be accessed by taxi from the city of Xining, which is approximately 60 km away. Public transportation is limited, so taxi or private car is the best option.
The temple is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is usually around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. There is no online ticketing system in place.
Advance booking is not necessary. You can buy tickets directly at the temple entrance upon arrival.
It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the temple and its surroundings, depending on your pace and interest in photography or meditation.
Guided tours are not typically available, but a local monk or temple staff may provide some context about the temple's history if requested. There are no audio guides provided in foreign languages.
Start by visiting the main prayer hall, then explore the temple's courtyard and surrounding areas. Take time to meditate or reflect in the peaceful surroundings before leaving.
Night visits are not available, and there are no light shows or special tours at the temple. The temple operates during daylight hours only.
The temple is relatively quiet and not overly crowded. The least crowded times are early mornings and weekdays, especially outside of peak travel seasons.
The temple has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. There are no food vendors or shops inside the temple complex, but small eateries are available nearby.
The temple grounds are accessible to visitors of all ages, but some steps and uneven terrain may make it challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children will enjoy the open space and peaceful surroundings.
Cash is required for the entrance fee and donations, as card payments are not accepted. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay may not be widely accepted.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the temple, but there are local Tibetan eateries in the nearby towns, offering simple meals like momos, noodles, and traditional Tibetan dishes.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in the local Tibetan restaurants nearby. However, halal options may be limited depending on the area.
There are no souvenir shops at the temple, but nearby towns may offer Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, and traditional clothing as souvenirs.
After visiting the temple, taxis are the best option for continuing your trip to nearby attractions or returning to Xining. Public buses may also be available, but taxis offer more convenience.
