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Dandou Temple, also known as Dandi Temple, Dandou Temple, Dandou Temple, and Dandou Temple, and in Tibetan as Dandou Xieji Yanggong, is located in Xiaojishi Mountain, more than 10 kilometers north of the Yellow River in Xunhua County. Surrounded by steep cliffs and towering rock faces, the temples are built into or beneath the cliffs, or within natural caves, creating a unique and picturesque scene.
Dandu Monastery comprises the Aniruga Hall, the Rezapa Hall, the Monk Ajita's Hermitage, the "Three Sages" and Laqin Hermitage, the Maitreya Hall, the Arou Geshe Hermitage, the Sakya Hall, the Great Sutra Hall, the Tseten Sharong Labrang, the Yedong Pagoda, monks' quarters, and a large kitchen, totaling approximately 200 rooms, forming a complete complex. The entire monastery remains intact, having survived the 1958 and Cultural Revolution periods. Although closed twice, in 1958 and 1967, the majority of the buildings remain intact.
Plateau continental climate; Dandou Temple is a historically significant temple in Hualong County and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Aniruga Hall, Rezapa Hall, Bhikkhu Ajita's Hermitage, the Third Dalai Lama's Hermitage, the "Three Sages" and Laqin's Hermitage, Maitreya Hall, Arou Geshe's Hermitage, Sakya Hall, and the Great Sutra Hall;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Free and open
Open all day
Dan Dou Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple in the region, known for its tranquil setting and long history of religious significance. It serves as a center for meditation and worship and is an important part of the local cultural and spiritual heritage.
The temple is located in Mutual Aid County, Qinghai, China. It can be reached by taxi or bus from the nearest city center. The location is somewhat remote, so private transportation is recommended for ease of access.
The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the morning when the temple is less crowded, and the environment is peaceful for reflection.
There is no entrance fee to visit Dan Dou Temple. Visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary donation for the upkeep of the temple. Donations can be made on-site.
No advance booking is required for general entry to the temple, as it is a free-entry location. Special events may require prior registration, though.
A visit to the temple typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you want to engage in activities like meditation or attend ceremonies.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Visitors may request assistance from the temple staff to learn about the temple’s history and significance.
The best viewpoints are around the main hall and the pond. These spots offer stunning views of the temple's architecture and the surrounding natural landscape.
Start by visiting the main hall to admire the Buddha statues, then take a walk around the peaceful gardens and the pond. Spend some time relaxing and reflecting before exploring the surrounding area.
Night visits are not available, as the temple closes in the evening. However, the temple's serene atmosphere is best enjoyed during the day, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
The temple tends to be quiet during weekdays, with fewer visitors. Weekends and public holidays can be busier, so visiting early in the morning during the week is the best time to avoid crowds.
The temple has basic facilities including toilets and a few rest areas for visitors to relax. There are no large food or souvenir shops within the temple grounds, but small local vendors may offer snacks.
The temple has paved paths, but some areas may be difficult for disabled visitors due to stairs and uneven ground. Elderly visitors and children will find the temple accessible, but they may need assistance in certain areas.
Cash is generally preferred, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted for donations and purchases at the temple.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the temple. However, there are several local eateries and small cafes in the nearby town where visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese food.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local eateries nearby. Halal food may be harder to find in the area, but larger cities in Qinghai may offer halal restaurants.
There are no large souvenir shops at the temple, but small local vendors sell religious items like prayer beads, incense, and small statues.
Taxis and buses are available for onward travel. The nearest bus station is in the town of Mutual Aid, from where visitors can access other major destinations like Qinghai Lake or Xining.
