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Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain

Introducing Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain
Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain sits halfway up Xining’s Beishan Mountain. Built in 106 AD, Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain is the oldest Taoist temple in Qinghai Province, boasting over 1,900 years of history.

Nestled amidst the dramatic Danxia landform, a unique landscape defined by its steep red cliffs and caves, Tulou Temple is a striking example of how human artistry can intertwine with natural wonders. Nearly 200 niches and caves, carved directly into the cliff face by centuries of erosion, house intricate statues of Taoist figures and murals. This impressive feat has earned Tulou Temple the reputation of being China’s second “Hanging Temple,” after the renowned one in Shanxi Province. Sadly, landslides have rendered the grottoes and caves inaccessible, making them viewable only from a distance. Yet, the temple’s majestic buildings still offer a breathtaking spectacle, inviting visitors to witness the enduring spirit of art and faith in the face of nature’s might.

Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain Fast Facts
• AKA: Beishan Temple, Beichan Temple
• Chinese Name: Běi Shān Tǔ Lóu Guàn 北山土楼观
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Taoism, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY5
• Address: 48 Qilian Road, Chengbei District, Xining, Qinghai Province

What to Expect at the Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain
Tulou Temple unfurls like a whispered secret across more than 6,800 square meters, its buildings a chorus of stone and timber woven into a tapestry of emerald. Thousands of evergreen trees and everblooming blossoms spill across the grounds, their roots echoing the whispers of centuries. This living, breathing canvas deepens the sacred silence of Taoism, a hush that mingles with the breathtaking panorama of Danxia landforms. Here, where nature and spirit dance in a timeless embrace, visitors and pilgrims alike find themselves spellbound.

Xuannü Hall
Xuannü Hall is dedicated to Jiutian Xuannü, a revered Taoist Heavenly Goddess who holds a prominent place in ancient Chinese mythology and Taoist beliefs. She is believed to offer protection to her devotees from evil and misfortune. Inside the hall, a majestic statue of Jiutian Xuannü dominates the space, capturing her valiant and awe-inspiring presence. The surrounding walls are adorned with vibrant murals that depict key moments from her mythology, most notably her bestowal of military talismans and strategic knowledge upon Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor. These scenes vividly illustrate the goddess’s immense magical powers and profound wisdom. 

The Statue of Giant Vajra
East of Tulou Temple, a colossal Vajra statue stands in awe-inspiring grandeur. Towering tens of meters high, its head, torso, limbs, and facial features are clearly discernible even from afar. The statue exudes a powerful and rugged aesthetic, reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) art style. This magnificent work of art was meticulously sculpted by devoted believers who ingeniously utilized the natural rock formations as a foundation, achieving a harmonious blend of natural and human artistry. 

Ningshou Pagoda
The Ningshou Pagoda, a classic multi-eaved structure of brick, rises hexagonally towards the sky. Its five stories, each adorned with intricately carved brick brackets and delicate patterns beneath the eaves, whisper tales of a bygone era. Emperor Qianlong, who reigned from 1735 to 1796, commissioned its construction as a monument to commemorate the suppression of a rebellion in the northwest. 

A spiral staircase winds within its walls, beckoning visitors to ascend to its peak. From this vantage point, a breathtaking panorama unfolds – Xining city sprawls below, nestled within the vast expanse of the surrounding landscape. More than just brick and mortar, the Ningshou Pagoda stands as a living embodiment of Xining’s history and culture, a profound source of pride for its people.

How to Get to Hanshan Temple
• By Bus: Take bus 19, 21, 84 to Beishan Shichang (Beishan Mountain Market) Station.

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