Qinghai’s Ta’er Monastery: A Stunning Blend of Han and Tibetan Architecture

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Ta’er Monastery, one of the six major Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China, traces its origins back to the 12th year of the Hongwu reign in the Ming dynasty (1379), boasting over 600 years of history. Built to honor Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, it stands as a cultural treasure blending Han and Tibetan architectural styles.

The monastery is grand in scale, sprawling over 450,000 square meters on a mountainside with nearly 10,000 structures arranged harmoniously. Its architectural style is unique, merging Tibetan flat-roofed designs with Han features such as flying eaves, intricate dougong brackets, and the iconic xieshan-style golden roofs.

Key buildings like the Great Golden Roof Hall, Small Golden Roof Hall, and the Great Sutra Hall not only serve religious functions but also exemplify outstanding architectural artistry. Inside, every beam, column, door, window, and wall is carefully carved and painted. The walls are made of blue bricks or rammed earth, adorned with embedded copper mirrors and “bianma” walls, combining beauty with deep religious symbolism.

Ta’er Monastery is truly a masterpiece where the mysticism and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism meet the elegance and refinement of Han culture, making it a must-see landmark in Qinghai.

Post by Zero899 | Aug 9, 2025