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The Lama Temple, located in Changping Valley within the Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery belonging to the Gelugpa sect. Legend has it that it was founded in the early 15th century by Tsongkhapa's disciple, Chakho Ngawang Drakpa. Although the temple remains modest today, it once held a prominent place in local Buddhist history.
It is said that during its heyday, the temple had more than 1,000 monks and produced many eminent monks. Unfortunately, this temple, which was quite famous in the Jiarong Tibetan area, was severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution.
In order to let tourists understand Tibetan Buddhist culture, the Lama Temple was rebuilt. Visitors can experience the basic style of Tibetan Buddhist architecture and appreciate the sacredness and solemnity of the temple in the past.
The best seasons to visit Mount Siguniang are summer and autumn.
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
Tickets are included in the ticket price for Changpinggou in Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area
7:00-17:00
The Lama Temple in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is an important Tibetan Buddhist site in Sichuan. It holds religious and cultural significance, reflecting the rich Tibetan heritage of the region. The temple is known for its architecture, spiritual atmosphere, and for being a center of Tibetan Buddhism, where both locals and visitors come for worship, reflection, and spiritual practice.
The Lama Temple is located in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from nearby cities, such as Chengdu or Aba. There are no metro services in this remote area, so traveling by taxi or local buses is the most common way to reach the site.
The Lama Temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is milder and the temple is less crowded. Weekdays are ideal for a more peaceful visit.
The entrance fee to the Lama Temple is usually around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. There may be limited online ticketing options available, depending on local tourism policies, so it's generally best to buy tickets upon arrival.
It is not usually necessary to book tickets in advance unless you are visiting during peak seasons or on public holidays. If you prefer to book ahead, 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient.
It typically takes 1-2 hours to fully explore the Lama Temple, including time for prayer, walking around the grounds, and appreciating the architecture. If you plan to participate in rituals or take time for meditation, you may want to allocate 2-3 hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin Chinese, and some tours may offer basic English explanations. Audio guides are usually available in Mandarin, but it’s best to confirm language availability in advance if you need an English-speaking guide.
The best viewpoints are from the temple courtyards and the surrounding mountain slopes. The main prayer hall and the temple’s rooftops provide excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light is softer and more atmospheric.
Begin by entering the temple complex and visiting the main prayer hall. After that, explore the surrounding courtyards and smaller shrines. Take time to admire the Tibetan architecture, and if interested, participate in some of the local spiritual practices. A slow walk through the temple grounds will allow you to fully absorb the peaceful ambiance.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the Lama Temple. However, during specific festivals or religious events, special ceremonies or prayers may be held in the evening. Check local listings for any upcoming events during your visit.
The Lama Temple can get crowded during weekends, public holidays, and religious festivals. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The temple is quieter in the winter months when tourism is lower.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water stations are available at the Lama Temple. There are small food stalls around the temple complex where visitors can buy snacks, tea, and simple meals. There are also small souvenir shops selling religious items and local crafts.
The main areas of the temple are accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, but some of the smaller shrines or higher ground may be more difficult to reach due to the temple’s traditional architecture and uneven paths. Children will enjoy the open space and the peaceful environment, though they should be supervised when participating in religious practices.
Cash is commonly used, but mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely accepted. Credit cards are not commonly accepted at the temple, so it is advisable to carry cash or use mobile payments for purchases.
There are no major restaurants inside the temple itself, but small local eateries and cafes are available nearby. These typically serve traditional Tibetan or Sichuan cuisine, such as yak meat, dumplings, and butter tea.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the nearby eateries, with dishes such as vegetable dumplings, noodle soups, and Tibetan barley. Halal food options may be limited, but there are some restaurants that cater to Muslim dietary needs in the surrounding area.
There are guesthouses and small hotels in the vicinity of the Lama Temple. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors can stay in the nearby town of Aba or choose from various guesthouses offering basic amenities.
There are several souvenir shops selling religious items such as prayer beads, Tibetan incense, thangka paintings, and Tibetan jewelry. Traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local Tibetan artifacts are also available.
After visiting the Lama Temple, taxis or local buses are available to continue your trip to nearby attractions. For longer journeys, the nearest major city, Chengdu, can be reached by bus or taxi, where trains and flights are available for further travel.
