Ta'er Si

Xining, Qinghai Province

Ta'er Si, or Kumbum Monastery, was built in 1560 on the site of the birthplace of Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), founder of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is located in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province (map). Ta'er Si is a working monastery, with several hundred monks in residence, where visitors can experience the living Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The monastery buildings were restored in modern times. This photo was taken from the square in front of the monastery, looking towards the north entrance (closeup). The pink entrance gate is modern. Behind it and to the left in this photo one can see the small golden roof of the Small Golden Roof Hall. Because of its location NE of Tibet, this region received many influences from Tibetan Buddhism.