Well known throughout the Tibetan world, this 17th-century hillside monastery in the Hùzhù Tǔzú (互助土族) Autonomous County is considered one of the greats of the Gelugpa order. The monastery lies at the edge of a forested valley, and many chapels perch wondrously on the sides of a cliff face. Give yourself a couple of hours to explore the entire picturesque area.
Famous for its academies of medicine and astrology, its scholars and its living Buddhas (tulku), Yòuníng Monastery (Rgolung in Tibetan) was instrumental in solidifying Gelugpa dominance over the Amdo region. The monastery was founded by the Mongolian 4th Dalai Lama, and over time became a religious centre for the local Tǔ (themselves a distant Mongolian people). At its height, over 7000 monks resided here; these days there are probably less than 200, all of whom are Tǔ.
There are a couple of ways to reach the monastery. Buses to Píng’ìān (¥8, 40 minutes) go from Xīníng’s Bayi Road Bus Station . From there, you'll need to hire a taxi (one way/return ¥70/100, 30 minutes). Alternately, if you have a group, you could hire a private car or taxi (return ¥400) from Xīníng. The monastery is about 25km north of Píng'ān.
