Yoning Monastery

Yoning Monastery

Yoning Monastery is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Yoning Monastery

Yoning Monastery is located in Wushi Township, southeast of Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, approximately 50 kilometers from Xining. It is one of the larger Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Qinghai and is known as the “Mother of All Monasteries on the North Shore of the Huangshui River.” The monastery was prophesied by the Third Dalai Lama and was established in the 32nd year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1604) under the directive of the Fourth Dalai Lama and the Fourth Panchen Lama by the Seventh Jamyang from Tibet, with assistance from local Tibetan, Mongolian, and Tu chieftains. Situated at an altitude of over 2,500 meters, it covers an area of six hectares and includes seven halls. Because it is located in the Gulong area, it is also known as “Gulong Monastery.” During the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the monastery was grand in scale, encompassing over 2,000 compounds including major and minor scripture halls and monks’ quarters, and housed more than 7,700 monks. It featured four colleges: Exoteric Buddhism, Kalachakra, Esoteric Buddhism, and Medical Science, making it the largest monastery in the northern region of the Huangshui River in Qinghai. It had 49 branch monasteries, earning it the title “Mother of All Monasteries in Northern Huangshui.” In the second year of the Yongzheng reign (1724), the monastery was burned down by Qing troops due to its involvement in the Lobsang Danjin rebellion against the Qing government. In the tenth year of Yongzheng (1732), Emperor Yongzheng issued an edict for its restoration and bestowed upon it the name “Yoning Monastery.” The monastery, nestled against mountains and near water, enjoys a tranquil environment and boasts a majestic presence. The structures and the mountain blend seamlessly into one another. In front of the monastery stands a towering stupa that reaches into the clouds. Entering the monastery leads you to the grand scripture hall. Following the mountain path upward, you will reach the various halls halfway up the mountain. These halls are embedded into the steep cliffs, featuring unique designs and offering spectacular views. From a distance, lush green pines and cypresses stand tall and dense, with the monastery tastefully dotting the mountainside, creating a beautiful sight. The interplay of mountain ridges, ancient trees, and halls enhances the solemn, serene, and peaceful atmosphere of the monastery. The architectural style of Yoning Monastery integrates the artistic elements of the Tu, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Han peoples, making it a masterpiece of multi-ethnic artistry. The sculptures and paintings inside the halls hold high artistic value. Walking slowly up the stone steps feels like being amid clouds and mist, giving one a sensation of floating as if immortal. Historically, Yoning Monastery was renowned for its strong academic tradition and produced many eminent monks, gaining fame both in China and abroad. Eminent scholars such as the Third Changkya Rolpai Dorje, the Third Tukwan Lobzang Chokyi Nyima, and the Third Sum pa Yeshe Paljor were all highly respected figures. Thanks to these famed monks, the monastery enjoyed great prestige and is now regarded as a sacred site by the Tu people. Originally, Yoning Monastery had over 20 high-ranking lamas, among whom the five major living Buddhas—Tukwan, Changkya, Songbu, Qucang, and Wangfo—were conferred the title of Hutuktu during the Qing Dynasty. In particular, the Changkya Lama was the leader of the Hutuktu residing in Beijing from Qinghai and was granted the title of “Great State Preceptor.” Alongside the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, and Jebtsundamba, he was honored as one of the “Four Saints of the Yellow Sect.” Yoning Monastery historically maintained a strong tradition of Buddhist study, producing a large number of renowned monks and scholars who gained prestige both domestically and internationally. The monastery was recognized by the religious community as a hub for Buddhist studies. Notably, the Third Changkya, Tukwan, and Songbu were erudite individuals with extensive writings, and they achieved profound expertise in Tibetan Buddhism, history, medicine, Tibetan studies, and calendrical science. They are esteemed figures in China’s Buddhist circles and in Qinghai’s history. At one time in history, the influence of Yoning Monastery even surpassed that of Ta’er Monastery. However, during the Cultural Revolution, this prestigious monastery was reduced to ashes. While the major and minor scripture halls have since been restored, their scale remains far smaller than before, and almost all cultural relics have been lost. Nevertheless, due to its historical significance, it continues to attract a constant stream of visitors from both home and abroad. Approximately two kilometers northeast of Yoning Monastery lies Tiandeng Monastery. This temple is not easily visible due to the concealment of surrounding rocky peaks and pine trees. Upon climbing a steep slope and passing through a stone cave gate, Tiandeng Monastery suddenly comes into view. It is said to be the place where monks originally practiced Buddhist teachings when Jamyang Lama first built Gulong Monastery. The limestone karst formations here feature bizarre shapes, and numerous Buddhist myths and legends are associated with the area. For example, the 18 small peaks standing in front of the temple are said to represent the 18 Arhats brought from Tibet by Jamyang Lama. The surrounding mountains of Yoning Monastery are majestic and covered with dense forests. The valley at the foot of the mountain features flat terrain and fertile soil, where the simple and kind-hearted Tu people reside. This creates a perfect harmony between the religious monastery, the beautiful natural scenery, and the local ethnic culture, making it a very attractive tourist destination within Qinghai Province. Best travel seasons: Four major festivals are held annually according to the lunar calendar—in January, April, June, and December—which are especially lively occasions.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units