Founded in 1394, Xiaqiong Monastery ranks among the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Qinghai. Master Tsongkhapa received his early religious education here for nine years before establishing the Gelug School in Lhasa. Therefore, it is rightly regarded as the cradle of the Gelug School.

Due to its remote location, the monastery never developed into a political and religious ruling center of the Gelug School. Otherwise, its influence across Tibetan regions would have been far greater.

The monastery stays quiet all year round with few visitors, and admission is free. Perched on steep cliffs, it offers a spectacular view of the winding bends of the Yellow River from its upper grounds. It is said that sacred relics are enshrined inside the monastery, and several living Buddhas reside in the surrounding area.

Suggested visiting time: 1–2 hours

Transportation A scheduled shuttle bus departs for Xiaqiong Monastery at 13:30 daily from Xining Long-Distance Bus Station. Return shuttles to Xining run between 06:20 and 07:00 every morning. Alternatively, you may charter a vehicle from Xining or Kanbula.

Ticket: Free of charge

Opening hours: Open all day

Location: Southern Chafu Township, Hualong Hui Autonomous County, Haidong, Qinghai Province