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Qutan Monastery, also known as Zhuochang Lagodandai or Zhuochang Dorje Qiang in Tibetan, means "Leduzhi Vajra Buddha Temple." Nestled between mountains and water, the monastery is rectangular in layout and covers 1.5 hectares. It is a striking anomaly among the numerous Tibetan Buddhist temples in the Amdo region, reminiscent of Han-style Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing and Chengde.
If you only have time to visit one temple in eastern Qinghai and are interested in ancient architecture and mural art, then Qutan Temple is the perfect choice. The temple is the largest in the Nanshan region of Ledu and is the best-preserved Ming Dynasty architectural complex in Northwest China. Its overall layout resembles the Forbidden City in Beijing, earning it the nickname "Little Forbidden City." Founded during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, Qutan Temple has stood for over 600 years. Famous in Northwest China for its majestic and ancient architecture, precious cultural relics, and massive, colorful murals of high artistic value, the temple is revered by Tibetans, Mongolians, Tu peoples, and other ethnic groups as a sacred site, attracting pilgrims from far and wide. It is also one of Qinghai Province's most famous flower festivals.
semi-arid climate of the continental plateau;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours
50 yuan
9:00-17:00
Qu Tan Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Mutual Aid, Qinghai, known for preserving Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture. It serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for local communities and a site for religious ceremonies and festivals.
The temple is located in Mutual Aid, Qinghai Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from nearby towns. Local buses may be limited. Walking is suitable for exploring the temple grounds.
The temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is mild and outdoor exploration is more comfortable.
Entrance fees are typically required and can be purchased at the temple entrance. Online tickets may be available through local tourism websites, but offline purchase is more common.
Booking is usually not necessary unless visiting during major religious festivals. In such cases, 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended.
1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the temple complex, take photos, and participate in any cultural activities.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. English or other language guides are limited, so hiring a local guide is recommended for non-Chinese speakers.
Enter through the main gate, visit the prayer hall, explore the courtyards and gardens, photograph murals and statues, and finish at any scenic viewpoints or meditation areas.
Night visits are generally not available. Special tours may be arranged during major festivals.
The temple is less crowded on weekdays. Festivals and weekends attract more visitors.
Facilities include public toilets, small food stalls nearby, seating/rest areas, and souvenir shops with religious items.
Most areas are accessible for children and moderately mobile elderly. Some areas may be challenging for wheelchair users due to stairs or uneven paths.
Cash is recommended for small purchases; mobile payments are accepted at some shops.
Local restaurants nearby serve Tibetan and Qinghai cuisine. Cafes are limited within the temple grounds.
Vegetarian options are generally available; halal options are limited.
Nearby towns have guesthouses and small hotels. Options are limited, so booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
Souvenirs include religious artifacts, Tibetan-style handicrafts, prayer beads, and small local artworks.
Taxis or private cars are recommended for visiting nearby scenic spots or traveling to nearby towns. Public buses are limited.
