Beishan Tulous

Beishan Tulou

Spanning an area of 1 square kilometer, Beishan Tulou Guan is a religious site that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Established in 106 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ming of the Northern Wei Dynasty (227–233 AD), monks began carving caves into the mountain cliffs, creating Buddha statues and painting decorative motifs on the ceilings of the shrines. Since then, Beishan Tulou Guan has gradually developed into an important Buddhist temple. Both Taoists and Buddhists resided on the mountain. Subsequently, the cliffs were further excavated to form “nine grottoes and eighteen caves,” which enshrine Buddha and deity statues.

In 1983, with the approval of the Xining Municipal People's Government, the name of the mountain was officially designated as Tulou Mountain, serving as a site for Taoist activities. Beishan Tulou Guan is shaded by lush trees, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance. The temple complex is gracefully arranged along the slopes, offering a serene and refreshing experience to visitors. With a history of 1,900 years, Beishan Tulou Guan is internationally renowned for its breathtaking cliffside architecture, one of Xining’s ancient Eight Scenic Spots — the “Misty Rain over Beishan,” the towering “Flash Buddha” carved into the mountain face, the Ning Shou Pagoda standing atop the hill, and the ancient cultural relics found within the “Nine Grottoes and Eighteen Caves.”

Beishan Temple (Tulou Guan), located on Beishan Mountain by the Huangshui River in northern Xining, is commonly known as “Beishan Temple.” The mountain is also called Tulou Mountain due to its layered cliffs, which from a distance resemble towering earthen terraces and pavilions.