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The Great Golden Tile Temple, also known as the Great Golden Tile Hall, is located in Huangzhong County, Xining City, and is the centerpiece of the Ta'er Monastery complex. Legend has it that this is the birthplace of Lama Tsongkhapa. His umbilical cord blood dripped here, and a bodhi tree grew from it. Later, a pagoda was built around the tree, and the temple was constructed, giving Ta'er Monastery its name. The tree and the pagoda thus became the incarnations of the master.
The Great Golden Tile Temple, located in the center of Ta'er Monastery, is the temple's oldest building and serves as its main hall. Originally constructed in 1560, the temple encompassed just over 400 square meters. After numerous expansions, it now boasts a majestic and imposing palace covering over 1,900 square meters.
The first thing you'll notice when visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda is its golden roof. Countless gold was used throughout its construction, with the last renovation in 2001 using over 160 kilograms of gold. On clear days, it shimmers with extraordinary brilliance. Entering the main hall, you'll find the 11-meter-tall sacred pagoda, encased in a bodhi tree and representing the incarnation of Tsongkhapa, the second Buddha. Beyond the pagoda, the hall also houses precious artifacts bestowed by successive emperors.
The plateau has a continental climate with abundant sunshine, long cold winters and cool summers. Summer is the best time to travel.
The golden roof of the Great Golden Tile Temple houses a bronze statue of Tsongkhapa.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
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Dajinwa Temple is an important Buddhist temple located in Xining, Qinghai. It holds historical and spiritual significance, serving as a center for Buddhist study and meditation. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.
Dajinwa Temple is located in Xining, Qinghai. It can be reached by taxi or local bus from the city center. Due to the temple's location, public transportation is the most convenient option. Walking is not recommended due to the distance from the city center.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
There is no entrance fee to visit Dajinwa Temple. Donations are welcome and can be made on-site. There is no online ticketing system for the temple.
Tickets are not required, and there is no need to book in advance. Visitors can enter freely during the opening hours.
A visit to the temple can take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the temple grounds and participating in activities.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and the temple staff may assist in explaining its history and significance. Audio guides are not available at this location.
The best viewpoints are around the temple's main hall and from the surrounding gardens. The temple’s architecture combined with the natural surroundings offers beautiful photo opportunities.
Start by exploring the main prayer hall, then take a walk through the temple gardens, and end your visit by relaxing near the temple’s scenic viewpoints. Spend time reflecting or meditating at the peaceful spots around the temple.
Night visits are not available, and there are no light shows or special tours offered at the temple. The temple is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate its serene atmosphere.
The temple is usually not crowded, especially on weekdays. To avoid any crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays outside of public holidays.
The temple offers basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are no major food stalls or shops within the temple grounds, so visitors should bring water and snacks if needed.
The temple grounds are mostly accessible, but some areas may involve stairs or uneven paths, which could be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children will find the temple an interesting cultural experience, but assistance might be required in certain areas.
Cash is preferred for donations. Mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted for donations and small purchases.
There are no restaurants or cafes within the temple grounds. However, several local eateries and restaurants are located nearby in Xining, offering traditional Qinghai cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants near the temple. Halal food options may be found in larger restaurants in Xining.
There are no major souvenir shops inside the temple. However, local shops near the temple sell Buddhist items like prayer beads, incense, and small religious statues.
Taxis, buses, and private cars are available for onward travel. The Xining bus station is nearby, offering services to major destinations like Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery.
