If traveling on the known tourist routes is not your element, safely pack your backpack and go in search of the mysterious or, as it is now common, the authentic monastery of Labrang. Despite the great popularity, this temple complex in China is visited by few tourists, although the latter fact will be more likely to benefit the searchers of unusual places and attractions.

You can get to the Labrang Monastery from Lanzhou (in fact, it is the administrative center of Gansu Province where the sacred monastery is located) . Since the settlement to which the monastery belongs is difficult to call a tourist center, then the transport here, let's say, is not so hot . The buses from Lanzhou Station to Labrang (the village bears the same name as the monastery) go once a day, leaving for the flight at 7:30 . The journey time will take about eight hours cos, the ticket will cost an average of 40 CNY . Alternatively, you can use the services of taxi drivers or rent a bike (but keep in mind that you'll have to pedal for as much as 280 km) .

As for the history of Labrang, it was erected in 1710. In addition to the churches and premises for the services itself, six types of educational institutions were located here. Monks living in Labrang studied Buddhism, medicine, astronomy and pseudo-scientific practices. This system of education has survived even now, but the monks attaining the teachings have become significantly smaller.

It is also worth noting that Labrang has a large territory, including numerous buildings. But the main thing, which one can not pass by, is the prayer drums. They are two-meter-long revolving structures located along the perimeter of the monastery

And finally. While taking a tour of the Labrang monastery, it is necessary to photograph and photograph monks and believers accurately, without attracting attention, and certainly not to ask for a waved pen or greetings in Russian.

Roof of the monastery of Labrang

Entrance to the Labrang Monastery

Labrang

Stupa, Labrang

@ View of the roof of the monastery of Labrang