Labrang Monastery, a world-renowned center for Tibetan studies

Labrang Monastery, I visited with friends who enjoy outdoor activities eleven years ago. This time, on a self-driving tour around Gansu and Qinghai, I'm planning to return via southern Gansu and Sichuan, passing through Xiahe once again. Back then, I really liked staying in youth hostels, where one room could house a dozen people, and the night was filled with the sound of snoring. Times have changed, and I can no longer stand to stay there, as my sleep quality has greatly diminished . Compared to ten years ago, the prayer wheel path is still bustling with people. The former dirt road has been transformed into a paved one, no longer dusty and chaotic. The 3.8-kilometer-long world's longest prayer wheel is more vibrant and eye-catching than before, completely renewed. Compared to Ta'er Monastery, Labrang Monastery is grander in scale and more down-to-earth. The Buddha statues in each temple are not as mysteriously concealed as those in Ta'er Monastery. After purchasing a ticket, at the guide assignment spot, a group of twenty tourists can be arranged to have a lama guide them for free, who is responsible for leading and explaining. Visiting Labrang Monastery, there are several must-do things: Walk around the prayer wheel corridor, 3.8 kilometers, about 40 minutes Climb the Gongtang Pagoda - to see the panoramic view of the monastery Visit the Wensi Hall - the great sutra tower To truly understand Tibetan Buddhism icon, it is necessary to have a guide during the visit to the monastery; otherwise, it's just a visit. Of course, having been to Labrang Monastery, one of the six major Gelug monasteries in Gansu's Xiahe, the trip is worthwhile.