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Xideling, whose full name is "Xide Ganden Sandanling Monastery," means the residence of four monks. The monastery remains in ruins and has not yet been restored. It can be seen from the Beijing Road intersection. It is located near Beijing East Road, west of Tsemenling Monastery, in an inconspicuous Tibetan compound. It is very old and is one of the four great monasteries in Lhasa. It was first built in the early 9th century during the Tubo Dynasty and destroyed in 1947 during the persecution and death of the Fifth Reting Rinpoche.
Plateau mountain climate; suitable for all seasons
Xidelin: 0.5-1 hour
free
All day
Xidelin is an important historical site near Lhasa, known for its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and its role in Tibetan culture. It is situated in an area that has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, with locals and visitors alike drawn to the sacred mountains and temples.
Xidelin is located near Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It can be reached by taxi or private car from Lhasa city center, which is about 50 km away. Public transportation options are limited, so hiring a car is the most convenient way to reach the site.
Xidelin is open year-round. The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its most vibrant. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid the heat and to capture the best lighting for photographs.
The entrance fee to Xidelin is generally around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Currently, there are no online ticketing options available.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as tickets can be purchased directly at the site. However, it is advisable to arrive early during peak tourist seasons to avoid long lines.
Exploring Xidelin typically takes around 2-3 hours, including time for hiking, sightseeing, and visiting the monasteries. If you plan to engage in more cultural activities or photography, you may want to spend more time at the site.
Guided tours are available at Xidelin, with guides speaking Mandarin and some offering English services. Audio guides are not commonly offered, so a local guide is recommended for a more enriching experience.
Start by visiting the monasteries, taking time to explore their unique architecture and surroundings. Then, hike up the nearby hills for the best views of Lhasa and the Tibetan plateau. Allow time to rest at the viewpoints and take in the peaceful environment.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Xidelin. However, there may be occasional cultural events or festivals that visitors can experience, depending on the time of year.
Xidelin can get crowded during the summer months and major holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, particularly on weekdays.
Basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas, are available near the entrance. However, food and water may be limited, so it's a good idea to bring your own supplies. There are a few souvenir shops selling Tibetan handicrafts and religious items.
The terrain at Xidelin is uneven, with some areas requiring hiking on rugged paths. This may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the area, but supervision is recommended, especially near the hills and monasteries.
Cash is the preferred method of payment at Xidelin, although mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay may be accepted in some places. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
There are a few local Tibetan restaurants and cafes around Lhasa, offering traditional Tibetan dishes such as momo (dumplings) and tsampa (barley flour). Most dining options are available in Lhasa city, a short drive away.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many of the local Tibetan restaurants. Halal food may be limited, but some restaurants in Lhasa cater to Muslim visitors.
There are small souvenir shops selling Tibetan crafts such as prayer beads, thangka paintings, and traditional clothing. You can also find religious items like prayer flags and statues of Tibetan deities.
