Qutan Monastery in Ledu is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in Qinghai and also the best-preserved architectural complex of the Ming Dynasty in Northwest China. The word Qutan derives from Sanskrit, meaning "Buddha".

Different from most Tibetan Buddhist monasteries across Qinghai, its architectural style resembles Han Buddhist temples in inland China, earning it the reputation of the Little Forbidden City of Qinghai.

The monastery is situated at the entrance of Majuan Gully, 21 kilometers south of Ledu County seat. It is enclosed within a roughly square citadel with rammed loess walls. The complex consists of three successive courtyards arranged along a central axis. From the entrance inward stand the Mountain Gate, Vajra Hall, Qutan Main Hall, Baoguang Hall and Longguo Hall in sequence. Symmetrically built on both sides of the main halls are imperial stele pavilions, smaller bell and drum towers, winding corridors, pagodas, side halls, scripture halls and grand bell & drum towers.

Suggested visiting time: 1–2 hours

Transportation Take a long-distance coach to Ledu from Xining Bus Station (opposite the railway station). The trip is about 80 kilometers with a fare of around 10 yuan, and buses depart every 20 minutes. There are regular shuttle buses from Ledu to Qutan Monastery. The ride takes 30 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 5 yuan.

Ticket: 50 yuan per person

Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Location: Qutan Town, Ledu County, Haidong City, Qinghai Province