Markam County

The Historic Gangda Monastery Gangda Monastery, nestled in Juelong Village of Naxi Township, Mangkang County, is a beacon of the Gelug (Yellow Sect) school of Tibetan Buddhism. With its origins dating back over 500 years to the mid-Ming Dynasty, the monastery has withstood the tests of time and history. Despite suffering damage during the Cultural...Read More

The Resilient Dexung Lakang Dexung Lakang, situated in Adong Village Committee of Muxu Township, Mangkang County, is a monastery steeped in history and spirituality. Founded in the mid-Qing Dynasty as a Gelug (Yellow Sect) institution, it faced significant damage during the Cultural Revolution but was restored to its former glory in 1988. The monastery, featuring...Read More

The Revered Bara Rechui Monastery Located approximately 2 kilometers north of the Qukizhaka Township government in Mangkang County, Bara Rechui Monastery was established by the Fifth Bara Jawa Jatso Rinpoche, a revered figure in the Gelug (Yellow Sect) school of Tibetan Buddhism. With over 330 years of history, this monastery has witnessed the ebb and...Read More

Nestled in the rugged terrains of Mangkang County, within the picturesque Zaguxi Gorge, lies the fascinating Langbajianzi Temple, also affectionately known as the Princess Wencheng Temple. This unique temple, occupying a modest space of 350 square meters at the gorge’s base, is steeped in legends and history that captivate the imagination of all who visit....Read More

Unveiling the Great Sun Tathagata The Great Sun Tathagata, known in Tibetan as “Rnam-par-snang-mdzad” and “Langbajianzi Beynozana,” refers to the Mahavairocana Buddha, also recognized as Vairocana Buddha. The name “Great Sun Tathagata” is a direct translation of the Sanskrit “Mahavairocana,” where “Maha” signifies “great” and “Vairocana” represents “sun,” illustrating the Buddha’s boundless illumination and benevolence,...Read More

The Enchanting Nyigo Monastery Nestled in the northeastern reaches of Mangkang County, within the Zongxi Township, lies the serene Nyigo Monastery (Hyin-mgo-dgon). In Tibetan, “Nyigo” signifies the “Crown of the Sacred Mountain,” a name that reflects the monastery’s lofty elevation of 4,250 meters and its divine essence. Adherents of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism...Read More

Nestled within Zongxi Township of Mangkang County, the Giji Monastery stands as a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically adhering to the Nyingma sect (often referred to as the Red Sect). Among the 52 monasteries in Mangkang County, Giji Monastery is renowned for its exceptional preservation of cultural artifacts, making it a vital custodian of religious...Read More

The Majestic Vodzer Monastery Located merely 200 meters north of Gatuo Town in Mangkang County, Vodzer Monastery (Vod-zer-dgon) is an architectural marvel set on a sprawling 11,817 square meters. Its layout resembles the Chinese character “回,” with the main hall centrally located at the rear, surrounded by monks’ quarters and auxiliary halls, creating a vast...Read More

Mangkang Mountain: A Realm of Natural Splendor Mangkang Mountain, known in Tibetan as “smar-khams-sen,” translates to “Mountain of the Exquisite Land,” located to the north of the county seat. Also referred to as “Mangling,” “Bangla Ridge,” and “Ningjing Mountain,” it serves as a natural watershed between the Jinsha River and the Lancang (Mekong) River. With...Read More

A Journey to Balagezong Situated merely 2 kilometers north of the Quzika Township government headquarters in Mangkang County, the Balagezong Monastery is a hidden gem with deep spiritual roots. Founded by the fifth Balajia Jia Cuo, a revered Living Buddha of the Gelug (or “Yellow Hat”) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this sacred site has enriched...Read More

A Hidden Gem in Tibet Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Mangkang County, the Salt Well Catholic Church, formally known as the “Church of Our Lady of the Salvation of the Christians,” stands as a solitary beacon of Catholic faith in the vastness of Tibet. Founded in 1855 by the French missionary Father Ding, this...Read More

The Sacred Sedeng Monastery Located in Zongxi Township, Mangkang County, Sedeng Monastery, fully known as “Sedeng Samdrub Chugling,” is a treasure trove of spiritual relics and artifacts within Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is renowned for housing an array of self-arisen sacred figures including Shakyamuni Buddha, Vajrapani Bodhisattva, sixteen Arhats, and eighty-four Mahasiddhas. Additionally, it preserves...Read More

The Illustrious Loro Monastery Situated in Loni Village, Loni Township, Mangkang County, Loro Monastery (Blo-ra-dgon) is recognized as the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Sect) monastery within the county. Established in 1617 by the Fourth Pabala, Choekyi Gyalpo, its zenith saw a community of 500 monks. During the democratic reforms, the monastery was closed, and its monks...Read More

The Lancang River Gorge, located in the Zhuka Village section of Rumei Town in the western part of Mangkang County, represents a significant portion of the upper reaches of the Lancang River, characterized by extensive glaciers and perennial snow. In the central part of the Changdu area, the Lancang River is formed by the confluence...Read More

The Mangkang Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey National Nature Reserve, located in the Mangkang Mountain area within Mangkang County and adjacent to the Yunling Mountain Range of Northwest Yunnan, was originally established as the Honglashan Nature Reserve in 1985. It was renamed after the discovery of the Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey, locally known as “Zhunzha,” by the Tibet...Read More

Mangkang County, rich in cultural history and natural beauty, offers a plethora of attractions along the ancient Tea Horse Road. The region is home to several notable sites, including Tibetan cliff sculptures dating back to the era of Princess Wencheng, ancient salt fields, a Catholic church, snow-capped mountains, grand canyons, Quka Hot Springs, the Yunnan...Read More

Mangkang County, a region rich in history and natural beauty, offers a tapestry of attractions centered around the ancient Tea Horse Road. Within the bounds of Shangyanjing, visitors can find a range of cultural and natural wonders, from Tibetan cliff carvings dating back to the time of Princess Wencheng, ancient salt fields, the only Catholic...Read More

The Chozikha Hot Springs, situated beside the Sino-Tibetan Highway in Chozikha Township of Mangkang County, boast 108 individual springs. Legend has it that these springs were formed from the tears of the Goddess Dameyong, resulting in 108 spring eyes. The flow and temperature of these springs vary, generally ranging from 20°C to 50°C, with the...Read More

The Tibetan Cliff Relief of Bodhisattvas is located in Gato Town within Mangkang County. Carved into a rocky cliff, the relief spans 9 meters in height and 7.5 meters in width. At the center of the composition is the figure of Mahavairocana (Great Sun Tathagata), who is 4.95 meters tall, depicted in a meditative pose...Read More

Haitong Stone Forest: A Karst Wonder The Haitong Stone Forest, situated along National Highway 318 within Mangkang County, lies just over 20 kilometers from the county town. This region is enveloped in dense forests teeming with wildlife, showcasing stunning landscapes where majestic mountains meet clear waters. The area boasts vast expanses of pristine forests and...Read More