Sampheling Monastery
桑披岭寺
One of the largest Gelug monasteries in southern Kham, with gilded roofs overlooking the county town and the Baicang House valley. It is the spiritual landmark of Xiangcheng.
Sampheling Monastery sits on the hillside to the west of Xiangcheng County town. It was founded during the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama and is one of the largest Gelug (Yellow Hat) monasteries in southern Kham. It is a 4A-rated scenic area. The main hall has a gleaming golden roof, and inside, a towering statue of Maitreya Buddha and finely painted murals fill the space. Monks' quarters are stacked in layers throughout the complex. From the platform in front of the monastery, you can look down over the Shuqu River valley and the town's white Tibetan houses. Admission costs about 20 yuan, and a visit takes about 1–1.5 hours. Walk clockwise around the prayer wheels, and note that photography is prohibited in many halls. It's a 10-minute walk or taxi ride from the county town. The altitude is about 2,900 metres, so move slowly to prevent altitude sickness.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- White Tibetan Houses & Seergong Village
- Zhongde Village (Qingde)
- Shuoqu River Valley
- Shambhala Seven Lakes & Mt. Bamu
- Reda Township
- Ranwu Hot Springs
- Maxiong Gorge
- Wuming Mountain (Glacial Boulder Field Viewpoint)