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Gongsar Monastery is located on the slopes of Jiaji Ani Gabao Mountain, 9 kilometers west of Zhiduo County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province, at an altitude of 4,300 meters. It was founded in the 12th century by Qiujie Cicheng Bangba, a disciple of Badalma Wangxiu, the founder of the Kagyu sect, and thus gave rise to the Qiujie Living Buddha reincarnation system.
With generous support from donors both domestically and internationally, over 18 million yuan was invested in the construction of a massive gilded bronze statue of Tsongkhapa and its shrine. The shrine stands 33 meters tall and covers over 700 square meters. This massive gilded bronze statue, with its exquisite craftsmanship and vivid imagery, is currently the largest indoor bronze statue of Tsongkhapa enshrined in a Gelugpa monastery. The Tsongkhapa shrine has been designated a provincial-level cultural relic protection site in Qinghai Province.
Zhiduo County has an average annual temperature of -0.3°C and annual precipitation of 397 mm. It enjoys abundant sunshine and strong radiation. Its cold season lasts nearly 10 months, with large temperature differences between day and night, reflecting a typical plateau continental climate.
About 1 hour
free
Gongsa Monastery is an important Tibetan Buddhist site in Qinghai. The monastery has a deep spiritual significance for the local Tibetan community, offering a place for meditation and religious practices. It has also played a key role in preserving Tibetan culture and religious teachings in the region.
Gongsa Monastery is located in the Qinghai province, China. It is best reached by taxi or private car from Xining, which is approximately a 2-3 hour drive. Public transport options are limited, so hiring a car is the most convenient method to get there.
The monastery is open year-round, typically from early morning until late afternoon. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), as the weather is mild and the area is less crowded. Avoid visiting during the winter months as it can be very cold.
There is generally no entrance fee to visit Gongsa Monastery, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support the upkeep of the monastery. Donations can be made on-site in cash.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for visiting Gongsa Monastery. However, if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons or want to participate in special events, it may be a good idea to confirm your visit in advance.
A visit to Gongsa Monastery typically takes 1-2 hours. This allows you to explore the monastery's grounds, view the murals and statues, and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Guided tours are available and typically provided in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it's a good idea to arrange this in advance. Audio guides are generally not offered at this site.
The best viewpoints are around the monastery’s outer walls, where you can capture the surrounding mountains and the monastery itself. The interior of the prayer hall, with its colorful murals and statues, also offers excellent photo opportunities.
Start your visit by walking around the monastery grounds to appreciate the architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. Then, head to the prayer hall to witness the religious practices and explore the murals and statues. If you have time, take a walk in the monastery courtyard for some quiet moments.
Night visits or special tours are not typically available at Gongsa Monastery, as it is primarily a place for daytime spiritual activities. The monastery is more peaceful and accessible during daylight hours.
The monastery is not usually very crowded, but it can see more visitors during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays during the off-peak seasons, particularly during spring and autumn.
Basic facilities like public toilets are available at the monastery. However, food and drink are limited in the area, so it is recommended to bring your own supplies if needed. There are no significant shops inside the monastery, but small local shops may be found nearby.
While the monastery is relatively accessible, some of the paths around the monastery may be uneven, which could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about Tibetan culture, but they may need supervision in more remote areas.
Cash is the preferred payment method at Gongsa Monastery, and mobile payments or cards are not commonly accepted. It is advisable to carry cash for any donations or purchases.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the monastery. However, small Tibetan-style restaurants and local eateries are available in nearby towns, where you can enjoy traditional Tibetan food.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants around the monastery, as Tibetan cuisine often includes vegetarian dishes. However, vegan and halal options may be limited, so it’s advisable to inquire ahead.
There are no hotels directly at Gongsa Monastery, but nearby towns such as Xining offer a variety of accommodations, including budget hotels, guesthouses, and mid-range options. You can stay in Xining for more choices and commute to the monastery.
There are no significant souvenir shops at Gongsa Monastery. However, you may find Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, and other spiritual items in local shops nearby.
After visiting the monastery, you can return to Xining by taxi or private car. From Xining, you can take a bus or train to other nearby attractions like Qinghai Lake or head to other parts of China.
