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Longwu Town, Tongren City, Qinghai Province, China
Majestic golden-roofed temple, Stunning thangka paintings, Panoramic Rebkong valley views
Rongwu Monastery, also known as Longwu Temple (Chinese: 隆务寺), is located in Longwu Town, on the southwest side of Tongren County in Qinghai Province’s Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Built during the Yuan Dynasty, it's one of the most well-known Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Amdo region, which includes parts of Qinghai and Gansu. It's not as big or famous as Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Si) or Labrang Monastery, but it’s much quieter and more peaceful. That makes it a great spot for travelers who want to experience some calm and dive into local culture without the crowds.
Founded in 1301 during the Yuan Dynasty, Longwu Monastery originated as a small Sakya school temple before converting to the Gelug sect in the Ming Wanli period (1573-1620). Its expansion began in 1426 under monk Samten Rinchen and his brother Lozang Senge, who rebuilt it with imperial support from the Ming court.
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Noted for its Thangka art origins and 23 prayer halls, it remains a major Gelugpa center in Amdo, second only to Labrang and Kumbum Monasteries.
Exploring Rongwu Monastery is a journey into the heart of Tibetan Buddhist culture and art. The sprawling complex is filled with traditional Tibetan architectural elements, golden statues, and vibrant Thangka paintings that tell sacred stories. Visitors can:
1. Mahakala Hall (Horse-Head Wisdom King Hall)
Located to the left upon entering the main gate, this small courtyard houses the Mahakala Hall. Rebuilt in 1989 by the Fourth Mancang Living Buddha, it enshrines a vividly painted clay statue of the fierce protector deity Mahakala, along with a thousand smaller Mahakala statues on both sides.
2. Main Assembly Hall (Great Sutra Hall)
Behind the Mahakala Hall stands the imposing Main Assembly Hall, the monastery’s central structure. Founded in 1732 by the Second Sharicang Living Buddha, it enshrines a gilded clay statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school. This hall serves as the venue for collective chanting, teaching, and religious ceremonies for monks from the monastery and its 36 affiliated temples.
3. Manjushri Thousand Buddha Hall
To the northwest of the Main Assembly Hall lies the Manjushri Thousand Buddha Hall. First built in 1621 during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in 2002, it features a bronze statue of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, flanked by a thousand smaller Manjushri figures.
4. Shakyamuni Thousand Buddha Hall
Further northwest is the Shakyamuni Thousand Buddha Hall, constructed in 1892 and modeled after the ancient Indian Odantapuri Monastery. Rebuilt in 2009, it houses a splendid golden-silver statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
5. Debate Courtyard of the Monastic College
Located southwest of the Shakyamuni Hall, this impressive courtyard, built in 1644, is where monks engage in lively debates on Buddhist philosophy—a cornerstone of monastic education. The courtyard features a statue of the Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin).
6. Sharicang Stupa Hall
To the northwest of the Debate Courtyard stands the Sharicang Stupa Hall, built in 1885 and renovated in 1982. It enshrines stupas of the Seventh Sharicang Living Buddha and the Second Arucang Living Buddha.
7. Palden Lhamo Hall (Goddess of Fortune Hall)
Northeast of the Stupa Hall is the Palden Lhamo Hall, rebuilt in 1985 and expanded in 2011. It enshrines wrathful deities such as Vajrabhairava and Palden Lhamo, protectors of the Gelugpa tradition.
8. Kalachakra College
Beyond the Stupa Hall and out the rear gate is the Kalachakra College. Established in 1773 and rebuilt in 1988, it enshrines statues of Kalachakra and Vajrabhairava, symbolizing esoteric teachings.
9. Sharicang Palace
To the east of Kalachakra College lies the Sharicang Palace, once the residence of successive Sharicang Living Buddhas. From here, visitors can ascend to the Shakyamuni Hall perched on a high platform. The palace, situated at the northernmost point of the monastery, commands panoramic views over the entire temple complex.
Rongwu Monastery is easy to reach from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. From Xining Bus Station, you can catch a bus to Tongren County. Buses depart multiple times a day in the morning and afternoon, and the journey takes about 3.5–4 hours. Tickets cost around CNY 30.
Once you arrive at the Tongren bus station, Rongwu Monastery is just a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take a short taxi ride from anywhere in town.
If you’re planning to explore more of Qinghai and the Tibetan regions in depth, consider hiring a private car or joining a guided tour, as public transport can be limited in rural areas.
Ticket Price: CNY 60 per person
You can enter through the main gate and start with the Mahakala Hall to experience its unique religious atmosphere. Then head to the Main Assembly Hall, the central building of the monastery, where you can admire exquisite Buddha statues and murals. After that, visit the Manjushri Thousand Buddha Hall, Shakyamuni Thousand Buddha Hall, Debate Courtyard of the Monastic College, Sharicang Stupa Hall, Palden Lhamo Hall, Kalachakra College, and finally the Sharicang Palace.
Best Time to Visit: Rongwu Monastery is open all year, but summer (June–August) offers the most comfortable weather, with mild temperatures and lush green surroundings. Winter (December–February) can be very cold, but the monastery looks stunning in the snow.
Cultural Festivals: If time allows, consider visiting Rongwu Monastery during its Buddhist festivals, such as the Prayer Festival (祈愿法会) from lunar January 13–18, the Nidan Festival (尼丹法会) in lunar March, the Descent Festival (降凡节) in lunar September, and the Five Offerings Festival (五供节) in lunar October. These events offer a strong religious atmosphere and unique cultural experiences.
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