Damo Patriarch Cave
达摩祖师洞
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site on a cliff in Tacheng, said to be where Bodhidharma meditated. Reaching it means climbing more than a thousand steps above the Jinsha River gorge.
Damo Patriarch Cave sits on a cliff face about 3,000 meters above sea level, northeast of Tacheng town. Tradition holds that Bodhidharma, the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, meditated here facing the wall. It is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come in large numbers to circumambulate the mountain during Tibetan festivals each year. In front of the cave stand a monastery and prayer flags, and at the foot of the mountain is Laiyuan Temple. From the parking area, more than a thousand steep steps lead up to the cave entrance. The round trip takes about 2–3 hours, with views along the way over the Tacheng river valley and distant snow peaks. Those of average fitness should pace themselves, and bring water and a jacket. Inside the cave, please observe religious etiquette and circle clockwise.
Opening hours
All day (visit during daytime)