Badain Jaran Temple

Badain Jaran Temple

Badain Jaran Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Qing Dynasty

Address: Alxa Right Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

This temple is the only one located in the heart of the Badain Jaran Desert. It was first built during the Qianlong era (1755 AD), and due to its remote desert location and lack of visitors, it has remained in its original state. Though small in scale, covering only 273.7 hectares, it is a two-story traditional Chinese pavilion-style building.

Because of the temple, local Mongolian herders call this desert oasis “Sumin Jilin,” meaning “Lake with a Temple,” often shortened to “Temple Lake.” Although there are only three households here, it serves as the activity center for herders in the Badain Jaran Desert.

The architectural structure of Badain Jaran Temple is similar to other Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The temple faces south and is enclosed by a waist-high wall. Outside the western wall stands a white pagoda, which complements the temple visually. The total floor area of the temple is nearly 300 square meters. The temple consists of two stories in a pavilion style. The four corner towers feature double-eaved roofs, with two small windows on the front facade and four small windows on each side.

The entire structure has just undergone renovation, and the interior of the temple is vibrant, with walls covered in colorful Buddhist murals. The shrine houses many Buddha statues, and the scripture depository is filled with cloth-wrapped sutras. Exquisite brick carvings and wood carvings are a feast for the eyes. Despite its remote location and sparse population in the surrounding areas, the temple enjoys a constant flow of incense year-round. Each year, many Buddhists, including foreign visitors, brave long and arduous journeys to worship here.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units