Wutun Monastery

Located in Wutun Village on the east bank of the Longwu River in Tongren County, Wutun Monastery is divided into two parts: Wutun Shangsi (Upper Wutun) and Wutun Xiasi (Lower Wutun), about 7 km from the county town. Covering an area of around 50,000 square meters, Wutun Monastery is one of the “Four Major Villages Monasteries” of Longwu, together with Nianduhu Monastery, Guomari Monastery, and Woke Monastery.
 

Wutun Monastery is the most important and representative site for preserving Regong Art. Many of the finest Regong artworks are kept here. The monastery’s murals, appliqué, colorful paintings, and sculptures are vivid and finely detailed, with bright colors and smooth, rhythmic lines. It is also one of the monasteries in Qinghai that preserves a large number of valuable cultural relics.

Wutun Upper Monastery (Wutun Shangsi)

Also known as Sengeyong Upper Monastery in Tibetan (“Hwaden Qunqei Ling” – “A Prosperous Dharma Land”), Wutun Upper Monastery was founded in 1385 during the Ming Dynasty. The main hall, approximately 30 meters long and 20 meters wide, is an impressive example of Tibetan architecture.
 

Initially established as Toumao Monastery, it later became part of Longwu Monastery under the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery’s Great Prayer Festival in the first lunar month is a major religious event, with a spectacular Cham Dance performed on the 7th day.
 

Wutun Upper Monastery is often referred to as a “Regong Art School”, as generations of monks here have mastered the skills of painting and sculpting, producing numerous prominent artists over centuries.
 

Wutun Lower Monastery (Wutun Xiasi)

Also known as Sengeyong Lower Monastery (“Ganden Phuntsok Choling” – “A Perfect Dharma Land”), Wutun Lower Monastery has its roots in the time of the Tibetan Empire. During the Ming Dynasty, it was expanded and converted to the Gelugpa tradition.
 

By 1958, the monastery housed a Great Assembly Hall, Maitreya Hall, Guardian Hall, tea rooms, and over 200 monk quarters. Wutun Lower Monastery is also famed for its monks’ skills in painting and sculpture, continuing the legacy of Regong artistic traditions.

Main Highlights of Wutun Monastery

White Stupas and Prayer Flags
As you step into Wutun Lower Monastery, the first thing you’ll see is a row of elegant white stupas. In front of them, countless colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze, filling the air with a sense of peace and sacredness. It’s the perfect spot for a photo and to take a moment to soak in the spiritual vibe.

Great Assembly Hall
This is one of the main buildings of the Lower Monastery. Originally built in 1706 and later renovated in 1981, the hall has a square layout about 25 meters on each side. Inside, the lavish decorations, golden Buddha statues, and intricate thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings) are truly mesmerizing. If you’re lucky, you might hear the monks chanting—it’s an unforgettable experience that gives you a real sense of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Maitreya Hall
This hall, built in the early 18th century, enshrines a striking statue of Maitreya Buddha. The current statue was redesigned in 1982 by a local master artist, and the hall itself may be small (about 10 by 8 meters), but it feels full of spiritual energy.

Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Hall
This is one of the most breathtaking spots in the monastery. Built in 2002 in classic Tibetan style, the hall houses an awe-inspiring 14-meter-tall statue of the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara. It’s massive and intricate—you’ll find yourself staring in wonder at its sheer scale and detail.

Tsongkhapa Hall
Built in 1988, this smaller hall was constructed on the site of an older building at the request of a revered lama. Inside, you’ll see statues of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, and his two disciples.

Vajradhara Hall
This is the tallest building in Wutun Lower Monastery, standing at 21 meters high with five levels. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by fierce statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Look closely at the walls—they’re covered in vivid thangka murals depicting famous Tibetan kings like Songtsen Gampo and the legendary Shambhala Kingdom.

Kalachakra Liberation Stupa
Added in 2004, this square-based stupa stands about 5 meters tall. Designed by a local artist, it’s topped with a golden figure of Kalachakra (Wheel of Time Buddha).

Thangka Painting Academy
Right next to the monastery is a famous Thangka Painting Academy. Entry is free, and it’s definitely worth visiting. You’ll find masterful works of Regong Art and can even watch artists at work while learning about the history and techniques behind these stunning paintings.

Travel Tips When Visiting Wutun Temple

Respect Local Culture: This is a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site. Dress modestly, speak softly, don’t take photos of monks or religious objects without permission, and avoid touching statues or prayer flags.
 

Stay Warm: Even in summer, the mornings and evenings can be chilly. Bring a jacket to keep warm.
 

Be Mindful of Rules: Every year from the 16th day of the 6th lunar month to the 1st day of the 8th lunar month, monks here go into retreat (a period of strict meditation). During this time, women are not allowed to enter the monastery, so plan your visit accordingly.
 

Getting There: Wutun Monastery is about 7 km from Longwu Town in Tongren. If you’re in a group, hiring a car is the easiest and most flexible option. A taxi from town costs around ¥10, while a shared van is about ¥2 per person.

Travel Wutun Monastery with Top China Travel

To help you enjoy a worry-free trip to Wutun Monastery, we highly recommend you travel with us at Top China Travel. Our local, experienced drivers will take you directly to the monastery and nearby attractions in a comfortable car, ensuring a smooth and safe journey. Along the way, our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you, showing you the best visiting routes, sharing fascinating stories, introducing all the highlights, and offering valuable insider tips to help you respect local customs and avoid cultural taboos.
 

Our professional travel experts will carefully arrange your accommodation and create a thoughtful itinerary just for you. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or in a group, we can customize the tour based on your interests, schedule, group size, budget, and any special requests. You can also get inspired by our Top Wutun Monastery Tours. If you are interested, feel free to contact us and start planning your unique Wutun Monastery journey today!