Xining Temple Guide: Unveil the Mystery of Lesser-Known Temples

💝 Visit four temples in Xining in one day: Jinta Temple, Hongjue Temple, Dafosi Temple, and Nanguan Mosque. Here's a complete guide!

1. Jinta Temple

🎉 Basic information: Possibly a branch temple of Ta'er Monastery, built in the Ming or Qing dynasty.

🚗 Transportation: Drive to Jinta Road to find a parking space or take a taxi.

👀 Visit: The temple has Tibetan Buddhist architecture and many small halls. Respect religious customs, as photography is generally not allowed inside the halls.

2. Hongjue Temple

🎉 Basic information: Located in the city center, next to street shops, with an inconspicuous entrance. Founded in the 10th century by Lachen Gongba Rause on the site of Princess Wencheng's altar, it is the residence and teaching site of successive Panchen Lamas in Qinghai.

🚗 Transportation: Located in the city center, accessible by bus, taxi, or driving. Pay attention to parking conditions if driving.

👀 Visit: Focus on the Mahavira Hall, admire the ancient architecture with flying eaves and interlocking brackets. Visit in the morning to hear birdsong and monks chanting.

3. Dafosi Temple

🎉 Basic information: Located in the center of Xining, founded in 990 by three famous Tibetan scholars, Ma Shakyamuni, Zang Rause, and Yue Gejiong, inheriting the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

🚗 Transportation: Located in the city center, easily accessible by bus, taxi, or driving.

👀 Visit: The left wall at the entrance has a temple construction introduction. The left side is the main hall, housing the stupas of the three scholars, and the right side is the monks' living area.

4. Nanguan Mosque

🎉 Basic information: Located at 23 Zhongnanguan, Chengdong District, Xining, Qinghai Province, built in 1934, open for free.

🚗 Transportation: Take a city bus to Nanxiaojie Station, walk about 10 minutes; drive and park in nearby public parking spaces.

👀 Visit: The architecture combines traditional Islamic and modern elements. Visit the prayer hall, awakening tower, east and north rooms. For photos, choose the main hall entrance, white building, or awakening tower. Dress modestly, avoid short skirts and shorts, and no photography in the main hall.