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Qutan Town, Ledu District, Haidong City, Qinghai Province
Ancient Tibetan Buddhist Art, Serene mountain surroundings, “Little Forbidden City" Style
Located among rolling mountains and tranquil rivers in Qinghai, Qutan Monastery is one of Northwest China’s best-preserved Ming dynasty architectural complexes. Nicknamed the “Little Forbidden City” for its striking resemblance to Beijing’s imperial palace, the monastery captivates visitors with its grand halls, exquisite murals, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist art. Its peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place to experience both spiritual tranquility and cultural depth.
Qutan Monastery was meticulously designed following the principles of traditional Chinese palace architecture, earning it the nickname “Little Forbidden City.” Built along a slightly southeast-facing central axis, the monastery integrates harmoniously with its natural surroundings: backed by the majestic Luohan Mountain, facing the gentle Phoenix Mountain, flanked by the Qutan River, and framed by distant snow-capped peaks. The site’s feng shui embodies balance and serenity, making it a sacred sanctuary for both emperors and monks.
The complex once stood fortified by an earthen wall, traces of which still remain today as weathered ruins. Covering an impressive 15,000 square meters, the monastery comprises three main courtyards—front, middle, and rear—organized in a cascading sequence along the axis.
On either side of the central axis, symmetrical secondary structures create a sense of balance and grandeur. These include pavilions for imperial steles, small bell and drum towers, prayer halls, residential quarters, pagodas, and long covered walkways. The result is a carefully choreographed flow of space that guides visitors from one spiritual realm to another.
Unlike many Tibetan monasteries, Qutan Monastery’s design showcases an unmistakable Ming dynasty imperial influence, blending Buddhist symbolism with the rigid hierarchy of palace planning. Every detail—from the sweeping eaves and gilded plaques to the carved beams and painted rafters—speaks to its dual identity as a place of worship and a monument to imperial patronage.
Shanmen (Mountain Gate) 山门
The Shanmen, or Mountain Gate, serves as the ceremonial threshold into the sacred complex. This ancient gateway is simple yet elegant, with carved brickwork and a pair of robust Vajra warrior statues standing sentinel within. These fearsome guardians are believed to protect the monastery from evil spirits.
On either side of the gate are screen walls (照壁) adorned with intricate patterns—an architectural feature typical of Chinese palaces and temples, designed to block bad energy from entering directly.
Vajra Hall 金刚殿
The Vajra Hall was originally home to four imposing Heavenly Kings statues, in keeping with Han Buddhist traditions. These deities symbolize protection and vigilance, safeguarding the monastery’s spiritual heart.
Above the doorway hangs a remarkable plaque inscribed “独尊” (Sole Supremacy), dated to 1593 during the Wanli Emperor’s reign. The bold calligraphy radiates power, reflecting the hall’s role as a spiritual and symbolic shield.
Qutan Hall 瞿昙殿
Constructed between 1391 and 1394, Qutan Hall is the centerpiece of the entire monastery. Surrounded by four Tibetan-style stupas called “Fragrant Delight Stupas” (香趣塔), it forms a symbolic three-dimensional mandala, representing the Buddhist cosmos and the interconnection of all things. The hall’s wooden beams, elaborate ceiling paintings, and incense-scented atmosphere invite quiet contemplation. Here, imperial Buddhism and Tibetan practices meet in perfect harmony.
Baoguang Hall 宝光殿
Baoguang Hall was completed in 1418 and named personally by Emperor Yongle. Larger in scale than Qutan Hall, it features a double-eaved hip roof (重檐歇山顶), finely carved brackets, and gilded ornaments.
This hall was a key venue for grand ceremonies and reflects the Ming dynasty’s architectural mastery. Standing here, you can almost imagine the echo of chanting monks mingling with the whispers of imperial envoys.
Longguo Hall 隆国殿
Perched on a high granite platform, Longguo Hall dominates the monastery’s skyline. It is the tallest and most lavishly decorated building in the complex. The hall’s upturned eaves, dragon-shaped ridge decorations, and vibrant murals epitomize the union of royal authority and spiritual sanctity.
As the final and grandest hall along the monastery’s axis, it symbolizes the ultimate attainment of enlightenment and power.
Steles and Pavilions
Imperial Stele Pavilions: Just inside the main gate stand two imposing pavilions housing Ming dynasty steles. The inscriptions, written in both Chinese and Tibetan, reflect the monastery’s historical significance as a hub of royal support for Tibetan Buddhism.
Yongle Edict Stele (1418): This 2.78-meter-high stele features cloud and lotus patterns and dual-language inscriptions that highlight the monastery’s importance during the Ming era.
The Stunning Murals
Step into what locals call the “Gallery Hall” or “Water Drainage Hall”, and you’ll encounter an extraordinary collection of Ming dynasty murals. These vivid works illustrate Buddhist legends in a comic strip-like style:
“Devas Welcoming Buddha to Heaven”
“The Dragon King Inviting Buddha into the Dragon Palace”
“Prince Returns to the Palace”
On the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, the monastery comes alive with the Hua’er Festival. Locals and visitors gather to trade goods, sing impromptu Hua’er folk songs, and celebrate Qinghai’s rich cultural heritage. This vibrant festival offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional life and music against the backdrop of a sacred site.
Getting around Qinghai can be challenging as attractions are scattered and public transportation is limited. We recommend chartering a private car or joining one of our guided tours for a comfortable and seamless experience exploring Qutan Monastery and other Qinghai highlights.
Qinghai is a vast and enchanting region where Tibetan, Han, and Muslim cultures blend seamlessly amid breathtaking natural landscapes. However, traveling here requires careful planning, as the attractions are widely scattered and public transportation is limited. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey:
Private Car or Join a Tour
Unlike big cities such as Beijing or Shanghai, Qinghai’s transport network is less developed. To save time and ensure a smooth experience, we recommend:
Chartering a private car with a local driver familiar with the region’s mountain roads.
Or joining one of our guided tours, which cover top attractions like Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Kanbula National Forest Park, and Qutan Monastery, with flexible itineraries tailored to your interests.
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the best period to explore Qinghai. During this time, the weather is pleasant, grasslands are lush, and ethnic festivals bring the region to life.
If you want to experience the Hua’er Festival at Qutan Monastery, plan your trip around the 15th day of the sixth lunar month (usually in July or August).
Suggested Itineraries
3–4 Days: Focus on Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, and a visit to Qutan Monastery for cultural depth.
5–7 Days: Extend your journey to Kanbula National Forest Park, Riyue Mountain, and explore the unique Tibetan culture in Tongren (Rebkong).
Travel Tips
Altitude: While Qutan Monastery itself is not at a very high elevation, some areas in Qinghai exceed 3,000m. Take precautions if you are sensitive to altitude.
Clothing: Bring layers, as temperatures can fluctuate greatly between day and night.
Respect Local Customs: Qinghai is home to Tibetan and Hui Muslim communities. Dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos of locals.
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