Kirti Monastery

Introducing Kirti Monastery

Located in the northwest corner of Aba County, Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Gelug Monastery boasts a history of over 120 years and is the largest Gelugpa monastery in Aba County. It currently covers 18,000 square meters and houses over 1,000 monks and 14 living Buddhas. Built in 1870, the ninth year of the Tongzhi reign (1870), the monastery, formerly known as Donggou Monastery, served as the headquarters of the Red Army during the Long March.

Climate and best time to travel

The county has a plateau cold temperate semi-humid monsoon climate, with a continuous spring and autumn, and a distinct rainy season. Annual precipitation averages 712 mm, with the wet season (May to October) receiving 89.6% of the year's total. The average annual temperature is 3.3°C, with ample sunshine and a large temperature swing between day and night. There is no absolute frost-free period, but a relative frost-free period of 33 days.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The Gelug Great Pagoda, standing southwest of the Gelug Monastery, is one of the few large pagodas on the snowy plateau. Constructed with government funding and self-raised funds, it was completed and consecrated in October 1987, officially opening to the public for worship.

The Great Stupa of Kirti Monastery stands 49 meters tall, resting on a square base 25 meters on each side. Surrounding the stupa is a prayer corridor with hundreds of small prayer wheels and over ten large ones, and thousands of prayer wheels of varying sizes circulate throughout the monastery. These prayer wheels are filled with scriptures and sacred objects purified by living Buddhas. The prayer wheels are inscribed with the six-syllable mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," symbolizing the blessings of the all-wise and almighty Avalokitesvara. Four steel ropes draped with multicolored longdas extend from the golden summit, spreading outwards. Colorful banners flutter in the wind. Two large prayer wheels, each driven by a swaying practitioner, rotate incessantly, their creaking sound conveying the prayers of believers to the heavens. The conical stone mound in front of the stupa is a Mani mound. Each stone is collected from afar and placed there by believers, chanting sutras. Thus, each Mani stone sings prayers in the wind, serving as an offering to the heavens. On the lower left side of the pagoda are piled up stone slabs engraved with various scriptures and Buddha statues. These are Tibetan scriptures and Buddha statues carved on stone, marble and jade by believers, and they are also the believers' prayers to the Buddha.

Looking up, you'll see 24 smaller pagodas surrounding the main pagoda, forming a majestic silhouette. Many tourists take photos of the pagoda, which points toward the sky, the creaking prayer wheels, the Mani piles in front of it, and the colorful, mysterious stone sutra tablets.

The first floor of the pagoda: the Hall of Compassion for Purifying the Heart and Eliminating Evil. Entering the pagoda's main gate, a wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin stands in front. Surrounding it are countless hands neatly arranged, each embodying a brilliant wisdom eye. The statue also possesses multiple heads. These heads symbolize the almighty, wise, and compassionate bodhisattva who relieves suffering. These thousand hands can help us alleviate all suffering, while the thousand wisdom eyes represent the eyes of wisdom and insight, helping us to discern the subtleties and bring salvation to all living beings. In front of the statue are the Tang Dynasty Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, who married into the Tang Dynasty, and a Nepalese princess, a historical witness to the enduring friendship between the Tibetan and Han peoples. The "mandala" in front is conical, representing infinite meaning. There are also square, flat, wooden, and sand table forms, which embody the Tibetan people's cosmic and social perspectives. We can see that there are 100 million Padmasambhava statues, 1,000 small pagodas, 1,000 Sakyamuni Buddha statues on the wall around this big Buddha statue. On the right is the God of Wealth Namu Tashi. Visitors can offer incense and pray to Guanyin and the God of Wealth at the窶冲香台 in front of the pagoda.

The second floor of the pagoda is the Hall of Longevity Buddha, where the main Buddha enshrined is Amitayus, who blesses everyone with longevity and peace. Surrounding the hall are 1,000 small Amitayus Buddhas and 18 longevity Arhat Buddha statues.

The third floor is the Tsongkhapa Buddha Hall, where the main Buddha is Master Tsongkhapa. There are 1,000 small statues of Tsongkhapa and his 1,000 works around it.

The fourth floor is the Padmasambhava Hall, where the main Buddha is Guru Padmasambhava. Around it are statues of the 1st to 11th Gelug Lamas and White Umbrella Tara.

On the fifth floor is a statue of Tara, the four-armed White Umbrella Buddha, representing the pure and compassionate Buddha who abandons evil and embraces good. Nearby are statues of Tsongkhapa and two of his virtuous disciples. Those who have committed sins can repent here and turn over a new leaf.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

7:00-19:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Kirti Monastery

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Kirti Monastery, founded in the 17th century, is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. It has been a center of Tibetan culture and learning, housing many prominent lamas and scholars over the centuries. The monastery is deeply significant to the local Tibetan community, both spiritually and culturally.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Kirti Monastery is located in the town of Aba, Sichuan Province, China. It can be reached by taxi or private car from Aba Town, which is the nearest major settlement. There are no direct metro or bus services to the monastery itself, so taxis or walking from the town center are the most convenient options.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Kirti Monastery is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning, when the monastery is quiet and the monks engage in their spiritual activities. Avoid visiting during Tibetan festivals, as the site can become crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no formal entrance fee for visiting Kirti Monastery, but donations are encouraged. You can make a donation at the entrance or in the main prayer hall. There is no need to purchase tickets, and online booking is not required.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No, advance booking is not required. You can simply arrive and visit the monastery during opening hours.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Exploring Kirti Monastery fully will take around 1 to 2 hours, allowing time to visit the main prayer halls, view the murals, and experience the tranquil surroundings.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the main prayer halls, the intricate murals and thangka paintings, the statue of Buddha, and the peaceful courtyard. The monastery's architecture and its surrounding views are also noteworthy.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides may be available upon request. Audio guides are not typically offered, so it's advisable to arrange a guide in advance if you require one in English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are from the monastery's upper levels, where you can capture both the intricate details of the architecture and the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the main prayer halls and then walk around the monastery grounds to admire the architecture and murals. Don’t miss the upper levels for scenic views and photo opportunities. If possible, attend a prayer session for a more immersive experience.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not available. However, the monastery offers a peaceful evening atmosphere, and if you stay until sunset, the views can be quite breathtaking.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Kirti Monastery can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, particularly around Tibetan New Year. The least crowded times are during weekdays, particularly early in the morning before noon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are basic facilities available, including toilets and small rest areas. However, there are no large restaurants or shops inside the monastery grounds. Visitors can find food and drinks in the nearby town of Aba.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The monastery has some uneven pathways and stairs, making it somewhat challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore the area easily, but it's best to keep them under close supervision in the prayer halls.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is preferred for donations, but mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted. Credit cards are not commonly used in the area.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few small Tibetan-style restaurants near the monastery offering traditional dishes like yak meat, butter tea, and noodles. For more variety, visitors can head to Aba Town, where more dining options are available.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at local eateries, particularly in the form of vegetable stews and rice. Vegan and halal options may be limited, but it’s possible to find suitable dishes by making a request.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby accommodations include basic guesthouses and hotels in Aba Town. For more comfort and amenities, there are larger hotels and lodges in the town center.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Aba Tibetan Monastery and the surrounding scenic areas, such as the grasslands and mountain trails. These can easily be visited in a day trip from Kirti Monastery.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small shops near the monastery where you can buy traditional Tibetan handicrafts, such as prayer beads, thangka paintings, and Tibetan jewelry. The nearby town of Aba also has souvenir shops selling local crafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Kirti Monastery, you can return to Aba Town by taxi or private car. From Aba, you can continue your journey to other attractions in the region by bus or private transport.