Kumbum Ta'ersi Monastery - 塔尔寺

Pictures of Kumbum Ta’ersi Monastery

Kumbum Ta’ersi Monastery

This monastery was built in 1560 on the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the sect of yellow caps (immensely majority now). It is one of the most important monastery in China (except Tibet) after the one of Labrang.The various temples of the monastery are full of history and legends that make this temple a good introduction to Buddhism. The large meditation hall supported by 108 pillars is particularly noteworthy, it contains many sutras and thangkas.This is the place that would have seen the birth of the yak butter sculpture tradition. These are changed on the occasion of the new year and are probably the most amazing works of art of the visit.