Labrang Monastery – Gannan Zangzuzizhizhou, China - Atlas Obscura

Labrang Monastery is the largest buddhist monastery outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region and it’s located in Xiahe County, in Gansu, China.

Founded in 1709 by the first Jamyang Shepa, Ngawang Tsondru, Labrang is a prime destination for devout Buddhists who come here to turn the prayer wheel along the 3-km circuit surrounding the village.  The monastery currently houses approximately 1,500 monks, and it is the site of numerous religious activities and ceremonies.

In addition of the architecture of the monastery, the atmosphere is punctuated by the rancid smell of butter lamps, the sqeaking of the prayer wheels, the soothing murmur of pilgrims praying, and the sight of meditation huts.

 

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