Ta'er Monastery

塔尔寺

One of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China, famous for its stunning golden roofs and intricate artwork depicting the life of Tsongkhapa. The monastery is a major pilgrimage site and offers deep insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Things to do

• Tour the Golden Roof Hall — Explore the main assembly hall with its iconic golden roofs and intricate murals depicting Tsongkhapa's life and Buddhist teachings.
• Visit the Duixiong Pagoda — Circumambulate the white stupa built to commemorate Tsongkhapa's birth, a major pilgrimage circuit for devotees.
• Observe Butter Sculpture Workshops — Watch monks create intricate sculptures from yak butter during the winter months, a unique Tibetan Buddhist art form.
• Attend Sutra Chanting Ceremonies — Participate in morning or evening prayer sessions where hundreds of monks chant sutras in the assembly halls.
• Explore the Thangka Gallery — Examine hand-painted Buddhist scroll paintings depicting deities and important Buddhist narratives in the monastery's dedicated exhibition space.
• Walk the Sacred Pilgrim Path — Follow the traditional clockwise circumambulation route around the monastery grounds while observing pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and prostrating.

Food to try

• Momos (Tibetan Dumplings) — Steamed or fried dumplings filled with yak meat, potato, or cheese, commonly served at monastery guesthouses and local eateries.
• Butter Tea (Po Cha) — A traditional Tibetan beverage made with strong black tea, yak butter, and salt, essential for warming up in the high-altitude climate.
• Tsampa (Roasted Barley Flour) — A staple Tibetan food made by mixing roasted barley flour with butter tea or yogurt, often eaten as a quick breakfast by pilgrims.
• Yak Yogurt — Rich, creamy yogurt made from yak milk, served plain or with honey at local monasteries and restaurants.
• Thukpa (Noodle Soup) — A hearty Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables and yak meat, warming and filling in Qinghai's cold climate.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Photography — Always ask permission before photographing monks or religious ceremonies, and avoid photographing certain sacred inner sanctums where it is prohibited.
• Clockwise Circumambulation — When walking around the monastery or prayer wheels, always move in a clockwise direction, as this is the traditional Buddhist practice.
• Remove Shoes in Sacred Spaces — Take off your shoes before entering main temple halls and inner chambers to show respect for the sacred spaces.
• Dress Modestly — Wear long pants or skirts and cover your shoulders as a sign of respect when visiting the monastery, particularly during religious ceremonies.