Zhalan Monastery

Zhalan Monastery

Zhalan Monastery is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Zhalan Monastery is located in "Bayia" Village, approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Banghe Township, Daocheng County. To the north of the monastery lies a mountain called "Zhalan," which resembles a lion in shape—hence the name Zhalan Monastery.

The monastery was established during the Song Dynasty by "Qupiweire," a disciple of "Zhugongqupo," and boasts a history of over 600 years. It is the largest Sakya sect monastery in Daocheng County. At its peak, the area housed around a thousand monks from surrounding regions such as Xiangcheng, Litang, and Muli. Later, due to the fragmentation of territories among local rulers, the monastic community dissolved. However, the disciples of "Jamyang Zhashipuoco" maintained the site for over 300 years. During the liberation period in 1958 and the subsequent upheavals, the southern region of Kham remained undamaged, and this branch monastery was the only one within the "Xia Gong La" and "Dan Da" mountain ranges that escaped destruction. The monastery still houses relics brought from India by "Qupiweire," including stupas and statues. In 1984, with the approval of the Daocheng County People's Government, Zhalan Monastery was reopened. It currently has three living Buddhas—Daken Rinpoche, Pema Wangzha, and Qingmai Cideng—as well as over a hundred monks, covering an area of more than 50 acres.

Legend has it that the monastery is situated atop a lion-shaped mountain. Surrounded naturally by the Eight Auspicious Symbols and images of deities on the "Longbu" mountain, with the "Seashell" mountain to the west covered in various plants and trees, it is regarded as a dwelling place of immortals and a wonderful destination for travelers.

Protected area: Extend 3 meters eastward, 2.8 meters southward, and 2.6 meters northward from the old main hall; extend 3 meters westward from the new main hall.

Construction control zone: Extend 7 meters eastward, 5 meters southward, 6 meters westward, and 5 meters northward from the protected area.

Banghe Township: A township under the jurisdiction of Daocheng County. Established in 1958, it was reorganized as a commune in 1973 and reinstated as a township in 1984. Located in the western part of the county, it is 6 kilometers from the county seat, covering an area of 263 square kilometers with a population of 1,000. It administers the villages of Angwang and Yongdang. The main agricultural product is highland barley, and the primary livestock is yak. It produces valuable medicinal herbs such as cordyceps and fritillaria. …… More detailed information about Banghe Township++