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. However, many of the existing structures are Qing, or even modern, rather than Ming. The monastery was restored in modern times; indeed, restoration and new building are currently (2007) ongoing.

The monastery is located in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province (map). Because of its location NE of Tibet, this region received many influences from Tibetan Buddhism. Ta'er Si is a working monastery, with several hundred monks in residence, where visitors can experience the living Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

This photo was taken from the square in front of the monastery, looking towards the north entrance. 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.