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At Yushu Zengu Temple, visitors can explore the beautiful Tibetan Buddhist architecture, participate in local prayers, and observe the peaceful surroundings. The temple is also an excellent spot for meditation and reflection. It's an ideal place for those interested in Tibetan culture, religion, and history. Taking a leisurely walk around the temple and surrounding landscape is also highly recommended for a tranquil experience.
Changu Temple, renowned for its construction and maintenance of the Princess Wencheng Temple, is located in Changu Village, 4 kilometers south of Jiegu Town, the seat of Yushu Prefecture, and 16 kilometers from the Princess Wencheng Temple. Founded in the 12th century, the temple sits at an altitude of over 3,700 meters and consists of two temples, the Lower Temple and the Lower Temple, approximately 70 meters apart. The Lower Temple was originally the main temple, followed by the Upper Temple, with the Lower Temple serving as the main temple. "Changu" literally translates to "flowered stone," deriving its name from a colorful rock near the Lower Temple. Changu Temple belongs to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, practicing its Mahamudra method.
Changu Monastery, with its parent monasteries of Qupu Monastery in Tibet and Babang Monastery in Sichuan, maintains close ties. The monastery originally housed three Living Buddhas: Chanlai Jiangong, Si Richang, and Karma Luozhou. Shanlai Jiangong was recognized by the former Tibetan local government in Yushu as one of the "Four Great Saviors," holding a highly respected position as the monastery's abbot. Both Chanlai Jiangong and Karma Luozhou, both living abroad, have made numerous donations to the monastery's restoration.
Continental plateau climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
free
8:00~17:00
Yushu Zengu Temple is an important Tibetan Buddhist temple located in the Yushu region of Qinghai. It is dedicated to the worship of various Buddhist deities and serves as a center for religious practices. The temple is historically significant as it has been a place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists, playing a vital role in preserving the spiritual traditions of the region.
Yushu Zengu Temple is located in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car from the city of Yushu, which is about 20 km away. Public transportation options are limited, so hiring a local driver or booking a tour is recommended.
The temple is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the surrounding scenery is at its most beautiful. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee to Yushu Zengu Temple is typically around 20-30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. It’s best to buy them directly on the day of your visit, as there are no advanced online ticketing options.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. However, during peak tourist seasons, it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid any queues, though this is usually not a major concern for Yushu Zengu Temple.
Visitors typically spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the temple. This allows enough time to visit the main temple areas, observe religious rituals, and walk around the surrounding grounds. For those wishing to meditate or engage more deeply with the local culture, you might want to allow 3-4 hours.
The main highlights of Yushu Zengu Temple include the prayer halls, sacred statues, and Tibetan thangka paintings. The temple’s inner courtyards and the beautiful surrounding landscape also offer serene views and photo opportunities. Don’t miss the temple’s central prayer wheel, an important religious symbol.
Guided tours are available at the temple, usually in Mandarin. If you require an English-speaking guide, it’s recommended to arrange for one in advance. Audio guides are not commonly available, so a local guide is your best option for an enriching experience.
The best viewpoints are around the temple’s outer edges, where you can capture both the architecture and the beautiful Tibetan landscape. The temple’s rooftops also provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, perfect for photography.
Start by entering the main temple area, where you can observe the prayer rituals. Then, explore the inner courtyards and walk around the temple’s exterior to admire the architecture and take in the surrounding landscape. Finally, take some time to meditate or relax near the temple’s peaceful surroundings.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Yushu Zengu Temple. The temple is most atmospheric during the day when visitors can experience the vibrant religious ceremonies and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Yushu Zengu Temple can be less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. The temple sees the most visitors during major Buddhist holidays and weekends. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the off-season, such as early spring or autumn.
The temple has basic facilities, including public toilets and a few small food stalls offering local snacks. Rest areas are available in the temple’s courtyards. However, for a wider range of food and amenities, visitors should head to nearby towns.
The temple is not fully accessible to those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and steep stairs. Elderly visitors and families with young children may need assistance in navigating some parts of the temple. However, the main temple area is relatively accessible.
Cash is commonly used in the area, though mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely accepted. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit smaller shops or food stalls.
There are no major restaurants or cafes within the temple grounds. However, there are small eateries and food stalls near the temple, offering local Tibetan dishes. For more extensive dining options, you can visit the town of Yushu.
Vegetarian food options are available, especially Tibetan-style dishes like momo (dumplings). However, halal options are limited, so it’s best to check in advance if you have specific dietary requirements.
There are several guesthouses and budget hotels in the town of Yushu, which is located about 20 km from the temple. For more luxury options, visitors can find accommodations in Xining city, although it’s a bit further away.
Nearby attractions include the Yushu Tibetan Culture Museum and the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The scenic beauty of the surrounding Tibetan plateau is also worth exploring, with opportunities for hiking and photography.
Souvenir shops near the temple sell traditional Tibetan handicrafts such as thangka paintings, prayer beads, and handmade jewelry. You can also find Tibetan clothing and small religious items as keepsakes.
After visiting Yushu Zengu Temple, the best transportation options are taxis or private cars to continue exploring the region. For longer trips, you can take buses or flights from Yushu to other parts of Qinghai Province.
