Youning Monastery (Gönlung)
佑宁寺
A famous Gelug Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, built into the hillside. Once called the “mother of the monasteries north of the Huangshui,” it has close ties with Tu culture.
Youning Monastery (Tibetan: Gönlung) lies in Wushi Town, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County. It was founded in the late Ming period. It is one of the most important Gelug monasteries in Qinghai and was historically known as the “mother of the monasteries north of the Huangshui.” It was rebuilt several times during the Qing dynasty. The monastery sits in a valley surrounded by pine forest, and its halls rise in tiers up the hillside. It is the religious centre of the Tu people. A visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Admission is subject to local confirmation. When entering the halls, observe customs such as walking clockwise around the prayer wheels. It is about 60 km from Xining, and it is often combined in a day trip with the Huzhu Tu Homeland Park and Beishan Forest Park.
Opening hours
08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park
- Huzhu Beishan National Forest Park
- Ma Bufang Mansion
- Dongguan Great Mosque
- Beichan Temple (Tulou Taoist Temple)
- Mojia Street & Shuijing Lane
- Qutan Temple
- Yaozigou National Forest Park