Pictures of Xining (Sining) and Qinghai

Qutan Temple built in Ming Dynasty. `Qutan' or 'Gautama' is the family name of the historic Buddha. It belongs to White Hats branch and located at Ledu near Xining. It is one of few Ming Temples preserved to the present day. White Hats dominated Tibet before the rise of Yellow Hats. Photo by Guo Yuan Jen.

Fei-Tien (flying sky), heavenly musicians and dancers analogous to Ghandhavas in Indian mythology. The wall paintings are about 400 square meter in extent. Most of them were created in Ming Dynasty (15th century) about the past lives of the Buddha in a series form. This is a part of the famous paintings.

Taer (Ku-bum in Tibetan, i.e., ten thousands images of Buddha) Temple built at the birth place of Tsong-kha-pa, the founder of Yellow Hats order who denounced worldly interests among others. It had 4,000 monks at its peak, now only 600 monks. Photo by Guo Yuan Jen.

The Dongguan (East gate) Moslem Mosque in Xining built in the Ming Dynasty. Islam spreaded in China during the Tang Dynasty. There are many Moslems in Qinghai (Amdo). Photo by Guo Yuan Jen.

Hyperlink to other pages

Map History Photo Tour Home