Taer Monastery, Xining

Taer Monastery, Xining

西宁市塔尔寺景区 （xī níng tǎ ěr sì jǐng qū）

Taer Monastery, located 25 kilometers from Xining, Qinghai province, is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in northwest China and enjoys great fame in the country and across Southeast Asia.

Suyouhua, or butter caving, originates from the Tibetan Bon religion. With the development of Buddhism, butter sculpture improved greatly in terms of its style, patterns, content and techniques. The butter craving at the Taer Monastery has a history of about 500 years.

On every 15th day of the first lunar month, butter sculptures bloom at the monastery, attracting lots of people to come to appreciate their beauty and pray for blessings. This tradition has lasted for hundreds of years.

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA

Ideal Sightseeing Season: June to August

Opening Hours: 8 am-5 pm

Ticket Price: 80 yuan ($7.20)

Address: No 56 Jinta Road, Xining, Qinghai

Note:
1. Don’t point fingers at the Buddhist statues or touch Buddhist texts.
2. Visitors are not allowed to take photos in most areas of the temple.