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At Ban Kheng Temple, visitors can explore its ancient architecture, admire the intricate carvings, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds. It is also a good spot for spiritual reflection and photography.
Banqing Monastery is located in the Batang Township government, 28 kilometers from Jiegu Town, Yushu County, Qinghai Province. Founded over 1,600 years ago by the renowned Kagyu monk, the fourth generation, Sangye Nyenpa Gelai Jiancuo, the monastery boasts a large scripture hall with over 100 pillars, a Dharma protector hall, meditation chambers, a living Buddha's residence, monks' quarters, and a pagoda. The scripture hall houses a gilded bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, over ten meters tall, among other precious cultural relics.
The five-story Grand Sutra Hall, built at a cost of 12 million yuan, stands 36 meters tall and covers an area of over 1,200 square meters. Its grand scale, exquisite design, unique style, and magnificent form are unparalleled in the province and even the entire Tibetan area. Within the Grand Sutra Hall is an 8-meter-tall gilded bronze statue of the Three Buddhas, exquisitely crafted and vividly portrayed. Numerous religious relics and precious scriptures are also displayed within the hall. In addition to the Grand Sutra Hall, the complex also houses eight pagodas, a large kitchen, and other large structures.
Continental plateau climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 hour
free
All day
Ban Kheng Temple is an important Buddhist site in Qinghai, known for its historical and cultural significance. It dates back several centuries and is revered as a spiritual center, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
Ban Kheng Temple is located in the northern part of Qinghai. To get there, visitors can take a taxi from the city center, as there are no direct metro or bus routes. It's a 30-minute drive from the main city area.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
The entrance fee is about 15 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance, and there is no online ticket booking available.
There is no need to book tickets in advance. Tickets can be bought on-site on the day of your visit.
It typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the temple and enjoy its surroundings.
The must-see highlights include the main hall with its ancient statues and intricate carvings, the peaceful garden, and the panoramic views of the surrounding area from the temple's elevated position.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but there are no audio guides offered. Visitors can explore the temple on their own or hire a local guide for more detailed explanations.
The best photography spots are near the temple’s entrance, from where you can capture the architectural beauty, and from the top of the temple, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Start by exploring the temple’s main hall and carvings. Then, wander around the garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading to the upper terraces for panoramic views of the area.
There are no night visits or light shows at Ban Kheng Temple. It is best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the temple's beauty and historical significance.
The temple can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the mornings or late afternoons.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs and religious items. There are no large food courts, but visitors can find local snacks outside the temple grounds.
The temple has stairs and uneven pathways, which may pose difficulty for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and those in good health can comfortably explore the temple.
Cash is required for ticket purchases and small transactions. Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted, but credit cards are not commonly used.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the temple grounds. However, there are a few local eateries nearby offering traditional Qinghai cuisine such as noodles and rice dishes.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, though halal or vegan options may be limited in the immediate vicinity of the temple.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses in the Wulan County area, about a 20-minute drive from the temple. For more upscale accommodations, visitors can stay in the city center of Xining, about 30 minutes away by car.
Nearby attractions include the famous Kumbum Monastery and the scenic Qinghai Lake, both of which can easily be visited in a day trip from Ban Kheng Temple.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling local crafts, including Tibetan jewelry, religious items, and traditional clothing. These make for unique and meaningful keepsakes.
After visiting Ban Kheng Temple, taxis or rental cars are the most convenient way to continue your trip. Public buses are available, but may not be as frequent or direct for long-distance travel.
