Kumbum Monastery (Ta Er Si)
Xining, China
Kumbum Monastery (Ta Er Si) is a 400-year-old ancient complex of buildings situated in the Qinghai province. This monastery is ranked second only to Lhasa. Its architecture is spectacular because the buildings are designed like the Han palaces while the roof has upturned eaves that have a Tibetan touch. The monastery actually has several temples and buildings that were the living quarters of the monks. Buddhist pagodas are scattered all over the complex. The place has a serene natural beauty that is characteristic of Buddhist philosophy. It is significant because it is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Lamaism shamanism.
