Bengpu Monastery is the oldest temple in Daocheng, boasting a 900-year history. Located 30 kilometers from the county seat at an altitude of 3,940 meters, it is a monastery of the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Kagyu School in Tibetan. The White Sect's transmission relies primarily on oral transmission, with the master imparting teachings to the disciple, who then practices accordingly. It relies less on scriptures and books, earning it the nickname "Tantric Buddhism." Tantric practice is extremely demanding, requiring monks at Bengpu Monastery to cultivate for at least three years, three months, and three days. During this period, monks are forbidden to meet with outsiders, and family members can only meet once a year, often through a wall. Completing the three-year training requires passing an examination, which allows those who pass to leap atop a tens-meter-high cliff on the mountain behind.
The founder of Bengpu Monastery was Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa. At the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa and his two brothers traveled to the Sangdu River Valley. Observing the majestic mountains, vast grasslands, and crisscrossing rivers, they determined to build a temple there and spread Buddhism. From the time he began building the temple at age 60 until his death at age 86, Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa remained at Bengpu Monastery, preaching to the local people and deeply beloved by them. Before his death, he asked his followers whether he wanted to leave behind his body or a statue. The followers, believing that the body would decay while a statue would be eternal, decided to make a statue. So, Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa used the reflections of the lake to create a statue of himself. The statue has the height of an eight-year-old and the appearance of an 80-year-old. It stands over 800 years old. The statue was treasured by the followers until it was re-enshrined in Bengpu Monastery during the temple's reconstruction in 1984.
In addition, extremely precious items in the temple include the handwriting and nosebleed rock paintings left by the master during his lifetime.
The monks often feed the fish in the Sangdui River with tsampa. The fish seem to understand human nature and gather in groups, allowing the monks to stroke their backs.
Attractions Location: Bangpu Temple, Liya Road, Sangdui Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Opening hours:
07:00-18:00 (all day); last admission: 18:00 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Transportation:
Self-driving: Starting from Daocheng County, take S217, which takes about 34 minutes and covers a total distance of 30.5 kilometers.
You can also take a taxi from the county town. The round trip price is about 120 yuan.
Time reference: 1-3 hours
This short itinerary is ideal for travelers already in Daocheng who want to visit Bangpu Temple and appreciate its spiritual ambiance and highland landscape.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Daocheng County (e.g., "Snow Mountain Sunshine Hotel"). Try yak meat hotpot or barley pancakes at a local Tibetan restaurant.
Souvenirs: Tibetan prayer flags, handmade yak wool scarves, local herbal incense from temple vendors.
This itinerary combines spiritual heritage with stunning seasonal nature, ideal for fall travelers when the red grasslands are at their peak.
Accommodation/Food: Continue to stay in Daocheng; try butter tea and momo dumplings at a traditional teahouse.
Souvenirs: Red grass landscape prints, Tibetan-style wooden carvings, dried yak jerky from Sangdui market.
This route introduces more Tibetan spiritual heritage with a visit to Benbo Temple, a lesser-known gem nestled in the hills near Sangdui.
Accommodation/Food: Continue lodging in Daocheng. Try yak butter rice and Tibetan yogurt at "Ama’s Kitchen".
Souvenirs: Prayer beads, handmade Tibetan silver jewelry, thangka paintings near Benbo Temple.
Ideal for a well-rounded experience, this itinerary includes spiritual sites, nature trails, and cultural immersion.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in hot spring guesthouses near Rubuchaka or back in Daocheng. Enjoy Tibetan-style stone pot soup.
Souvenirs: Crystals from Haizi Mountain, locally produced yak milk soap, Tibetan handmade notebooks.
This journey builds on spiritual discovery and dives deeper into the natural wonders surrounding Daocheng.
Accommodation/Food: Guesthouses in Yading Village (e.g., Yading Muya Hostel); enjoy simple Tibetan meals like Tsampa and highland barley soup.
Souvenirs: Natural salt crystals, carved mani stones, postcards of sacred Mount Chenrezig.
This option is great for hikers or pilgrims who want to get up close to the sacred peaks in Yading Scenic Area.
Accommodation/Food: Same as Day 5 or return to Daocheng. Eat locally made tsampa energy snacks or bring your own.
Souvenirs: Rock crystal pendants, lake-view framed photos sold by local photographers.
The most immersive plan combining major monasteries, natural sights, local culture, and authentic Tibetan highland life.
Accommodation/Food: Final night at a Daocheng boutique inn. Try a local feast with yak meat dumplings, highland mushrooms, and barley wine.
Souvenirs: Tibetan herbal medicine sachets, handmade wool cloaks, spiritual water bottles filled from sacred springs.
Bangpu Temple is located on the side of Provincial Highway 217 in Daocheng. It is an ancient and beautiful temple.
There were few tourists in the temple, with only a few devout believers circumambulating the temple. We followed the instructions, took off our hats, and walked around the temple clockwise, circumambulating the temple and praying.
It happened to be Sakyamuni Day, so we were given a brief tour of the temple by a monk. He explained the temple's history, and we knelt before the altar, burning incense and lighting butter lamps. Bangpu Temple, with over 900 years of history, is filled with Tibetan Buddhist decorations, thangkas, portraits of living Buddhas, and scriptures. Since photography is prohibited inside the temple, we could only snap a single photo outside.
Bangpu Temple has three white pagodas and a pagoda forest. The blue sky, river, flowers, green grass and the white pagodas complement each other, creating a beautiful scene in midsummer.
A very pious temple, if time permits you must go and see it!
Bangpu Temple is also very close to Sangdui Town, about a half-hour drive away. This historic temple is built halfway up the mountain, so it's very quiet and rarely visited. I highly recommend this attraction, and if you have time, you must visit! (You can scan the QR code next to the box for making meritorious contributions.)
Bangpu Temple
It is the oldest temple in Daocheng, with a history of 900 years. Bengpu Temple is 30 kilometers away from the county seat, at an altitude of 3,940 meters. It is a temple of the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, called the Kagyu Sect in Tibetan.
In addition, extremely precious items in the temple include the handwriting and nosebleed rock paintings left by the master during his lifetime.
Bangpu Monastery (Benbo Monastery), a Kagyu sect temple in Sangdui Township, means "edge of the grassy plain" in Tibetan. Hewn into the mountainside, Benbo Monastery's monks practice Tantric Buddhism, relying primarily on oral transmission from their teachers. Legend has it that the mountains behind Benbo Monastery are home to ancient rock paintings and caves for spiritual practice, brimming with mystery. We arrived at the height of the sun, so we entered the inner hall to explore. Suddenly, we heard the sound of a Dharma drum and the hall doors closed, signaling the lamas' chanting time. We simply sat down to listen, feeling the tranquility. When the doors reopened, a red-robed monk ushered us into the hall to make merit. What a generous act! It's also worth noting that the woods behind Benbo Monastery are home to flocks of wild white-eared pheasants, an endangered species that are completely unafraid of people and can be touched. One can only imagine the harmonious coexistence they share with the monks. Tashi Delek!
Bengpu Monastery, the oldest temple in Daocheng, boasts a 900-year history. It belongs to the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the Kagyu sect in Tibetan, and is also known as Benbo Monastery. The White Sect's transmission relies primarily on oral transmission, with the master imparting teachings to the disciple, who then practices accordingly. It relies less on scriptures and books, earning it the nickname "Tantric Buddhism." Tantric practice is extremely demanding, requiring monks at Bengpu Monastery to cultivate for at least three years, three months, and three days. During this period, monks are forbidden from meeting outsiders, and family members can only meet once a year, often through a wall.
It's easy to find. The entrance is easily visible from the roadside. The road is a bit difficult to drive up. There are few people, so it's better to see it from a distance.
Temple, this one is bigger, and the things are still the same
This is quite interesting. There are many little squirrels in the temple. There is a big tree at the door which is very depressing. There are crows on it.
There is a temple near Daocheng with two main halls. The temple is full of little squirrels, a quiet beauty.
Our car got a flat tire in front of Bengpu Monastery. We worked together to change it, which was a memorable experience. The main hall of Bengpu Monastery is majestic, with vibrant Tibetan totems and patterns. Entering the hall was both awe-inspiring and a bit daunting. Under the guidance of a master, we lit two lamps. Now I think the monks inside were probably debating. There were also birds resembling cranes pacing the stairs.
The scenery is very beautiful, and there are not many tourists. You can see a lot of wild animals. We saw Tibetan snow chickens and wild rabbits.
Bangpu Temple, located near the small town of Sangdui in Daocheng, Sichuan, is the oldest White Sect Tibetan Buddhist temple in Daocheng, dating back over 900 years. It houses a self-portrait of Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa, a prominent Southern Song Dynasty monk and founder of Bangpu Temple.
It has two names. It is the oldest temple in Sangdui Town. There are few tourists and it is very quiet.
Among the many temples in China, this is a rare one that I feel is peaceful.
When you enter, your heart becomes calm.
There is a circle of prayer wheels outside
Devout believers are circumambulating the temple
Tourists will also pray and turn the prayer wheel. If the monks in the temple are not busy, they will enthusiastically take you there.
From the riverside at the entrance to the temple, to the Gesang flowers on the road leading to the temple, and the devout people, I was moved and marveled at the match between the architecture and the blue sky and white clouds.
Bengpu Temple was on the way from Daocheng to the airport. I stopped and took a look at it but didn't go in. Firstly, Yading was so beautiful that it made my eyes a little tired. At the same time, Daocheng is at an altitude of 3,900 meters, and I had been walking for several days in a row, so I was extremely tired. I suggest that if you just arrive in Daocheng and there is a ready-made road to the airport, you can go in and take a look.
It's right on the roadside, and this is the only scenic spot with an easier road to walk to.
Bengpu Temple is located on the way from Daocheng County to the airport. It is built on the mountain. It was past five o'clock when I went there. I didn't go inside, but just looked at it from the outside.
It is the oldest temple in Daocheng, 30 kilometers away from the county seat, at an altitude of 3,940 meters. It has a history of 900 years and is a temple of the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, called the Kagyu Sect in Tibetan. The spread of the White Sect mainly relies on "oral transmission".
It has local characteristics. It is worth a visit to walk around and take pictures.
On the way from Litang to Daocheng, there are few people there, so you can take pictures leisurely.
A row of small white towers are very eye-catching. In fact, it is those small white towers that attract people.
Millennium-old temple, thanks to the ancients for opening up this remote land and leaving behind this precious essence
The Kagyu temples and the Tantric Buddhism in "The Secret of Tibet" are still very distinctive.
It seems that everyone can find their spiritual home here.
This is the oldest temple in Daocheng, 30 kilometers from the county seat. We stopped by on the road from Litang to Daocheng. The temple has a history of over 900 years and there is no entrance fee. The monks inside the temple were very friendly and welcomed us.
From afar, I was captivated by the unique beauty of this place, standing tall. The entire village is unique, and the craftsmanship is original, relying on manual labor. The roofs, eaves, and every corner of the house are meticulously crafted, truly stunning. Everywhere, you'll see local residents stacking stones in prayer, hoping their wishes will come true.
An ancient temple blends seamlessly into nature and the village. As you spin the prayer wheel and walk around the Benbo Temple, you'll occasionally encounter squirrels, some stopping to look at you, though they're not afraid. Unidentified birds hop and sing among the trees, inviting you to capture them with your camera. The temple itself is majestic and beautifully decorated, a feast for the eyes.
It is a very quiet temple, half located on the mountainside, which is a good reflection of Tibetan culture.
There's no entrance fee, and a sign hangs at the temple entrance that says, "We don't charge admission. Please tell others what you've seen here." The lamas inside were very friendly, but we didn't stay long because we had to hurry. One of my teammates decided to stay two days next time.
Benbo Temple is a White Sect temple, different from the Yellow Sect temples we visited along the way. The Buddha statues enshrined there are also different Buddhas. Under each Buddha statue, there are also pictures of living Buddhas, which is very lively. The jewelry worn by the Buddha statues is extremely exquisite, and the figures are also lifelike.
A very good scenic spot, with few people, good scenery and convenient parking. Just be careful of the people selling medicinal herbs.
There is a notice on the temple gate that says it is free to visit. It is a temple of the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, called Kagyu Sect in Tibetan.
Looking at Bangpu Temple from a distance, there is a small white house on the mountainside. The driver said that many practitioners would practice in seclusion there and would not go down the mountain. Lamas would usually throw food and drink in through a small hole.
This is my favorite temple on this trip. There is a small parking area at the temple, and you can reach it by walking a short uphill road. The courtyard is not big, but it is very quiet, and there are cute little squirrels peeking around everywhere.
The temple feeds the little squirrels from the mountains, so they are not afraid of people. They hold the food in various shapes and let us take pictures.
I turned all the prayer wheels outside the temple myself, praying for good luck in the future.
The White Sect temple is actually quite small. The lamas inside are very enthusiastic and you can feel the profound cultural heritage. It is worth a visit.
The temple was built into the rock along the mountain, just like a white dove spreading its wings to fly on a cliff. Against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains in the distance and forests nearby, it has a mysterious charm.
There is a small mountain road next to the provincial road. The only way to get there is Bangpu Temple. It is like a small village and very beautiful. It is the first time I have seen such a beautiful Tibetan temple.
It is said to be the best temple in this area. I turned the prayer wheel and entered the temple. The temple here is really quiet. There is no so-called Buddhist music playing, no pilgrims, only three lamas sitting in the temple courtyard, preaching. The whole temple seems very quiet.
I had butter tea at the Living Buddha's house, which was a great honor! There were Tibetan pheasants next to the temple, which was very beautiful!
The old monks at Bangpu Monastery took me to the mountains to see Tibetan pheasants and then taught me to circumambulate. Although we couldn't communicate in the same language, I could sense their sincerity! We returned as guests, drank butter tea, ate cheese, and watched the Living Buddha circumambulate Mount Kailash. I hope I can circumambulate Mount Kailash once in my lifetime to cleanse and purify my soul!
The seemingly quiet temple is solemn and awe-inspiring. I dared not speak loudly, fearing to disturb the deities within, nor take photos, fearing that the secular world would desecrate the devoutness of the believers. I followed the prayer wheels outside Bangpu Temple and prayed for the health and longevity of my family. I also saw the Tibetan pheasant, a nationally protected species of Class II status.
Benbo Temple is my favorite temple in Daocheng. There is no reason, I just like it. Maybe it is the Buddhist fate. So when I have time, I will often go here to pay homage to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, sit in the sun at the door of the main hall, and turn the prayer wheels. I feel that life is very comfortable like this.
This temple is built into a mountainside, with a retreat room halfway up the mountain. According to the monks, those who practice Buddhism must remain there for four years without contact with the outside world. Entering the main hall, I happened to hear the monks chanting. The ups and downs of their chanting sounded solemn, yet also had a musical rhythm that was very pleasant to the ear.
Bangpu Temple is 30 kilometers from Daocheng County, in the same direction as Zhuojie Temple we visited the day before, but a little further. Bangpu Temple is Daocheng's oldest temple, boasting over 900 years of history. Built into the mountainside, the temple complex is a picturesque setting. There are no entrance fees or other fees. The temple grounds are surrounded by a circular corridor, and in addition to the main hall, there's a side hall. We arrived around 9:00 a.m., and monks were conducting morning prayers in the main hall. The sound of chanting and musical instruments captivated me once again. For me, chanting is a kind of soothing music, bringing a sense of tranquility and a sense of solemnity and sacredness. Fearing we might disturb them, we initially avoided entering the hall; we stood quietly at the entrance and listened. The hall's many details and decorations captivated me, the most numerous and beautiful of which were the butter sculptures. On the rock face behind the mountain, there are numerous ancient rock paintings and caves used for spiritual practice, where many monks often practice in seclusion.
It is said to be the oldest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the area. Lamas would light butter lamps every morning, but I went there too late and didn’t see it, which was a pity.
Surrounding Bangpu Monastery are many exquisite Tibetan-style dwellings, built on slopes above the road. Outside the courtyard walls, geraniums in full bloom are a truly beautiful sight! Tibetan children from the residents' homes help with chores, some fetching water, others washing vegetables. Imagine this kind of scene, something you'd never see in Beijing...
Bengpu Temple is a temple built on the mountain. The temple is relatively large. Although it looks magnificent, you can feel quiet and peaceful after entering. Bengpu Temple does not require a ticket. Not only that, when the lamas in the temple are not busy, they will take the initiative to take you to visit the temple and give you explanations. All of this is free. It is said that the government has been wanting to build a wall around the temple and charge admission fees, but it was the strong request of the lamas here that stopped it. I strongly recommend that you come to see this 800-year-old ancient temple when you are free and feel the atmosphere here. It is still very beneficial.
The oldest Baijiao temple in Daocheng. Built on the mountain. The monks here feed Tibetan pheasants. If you are lucky, you can see them.
It was my first time to come into contact with Tibetan Buddhism. I had a great time there and took many photos there.
The first stop of the Daocheng day trip was not crowded. There were sounds of devout chanting coming from the temple. We did not enter to disturb the prayer wheels, but quietly waited for each monk to touch us. Just take a photo.
The temple is near the road leading to Daocheng. There is a small river in front of the temple, and the scenery is picturesque.
Bangpu Monastery is a Tibetan-style temple nestled against a mountainside, belonging to the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. From a distance, it's quite impressive, though not as grand as the Potala Palace. Perhaps because it's not yet a tourist attraction, the temple wasn't crowded, with only a few monks engaged in their rituals. The familiar smell of ghee in the temple made me feel very at home. While I couldn't identify the living Buddhas, I loved the temple's wood carvings, especially the dragon-shaped railings in the main hall. Even from a distance, I could still see the exquisite craftsmanship.
You can see Tibetan pheasants from time to time.
The body feathers are pure white and the long tail feathers are shiny blue.
The monks fed them with barley.
The temple is built on the mountain and is not large in scale, but it looks very spiritual from a distance. We quickly stopped the car to rest and take a look.
It is said that this is also a century-old temple, built on the mountain, and is very majestic.
Bangpu Temple, located near the town of Sangdui, is a White Sect temple.
Walk about 30km towards Litang yesterday, and you will see a sign for Bengpu Temple (Benbo Temple) on the right side of Sangdui Township. Bengpu Temple is the oldest temple in Daocheng, with a history of more than 900 years. It is a temple of the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The White Sect of Tantric Buddhism does not rely much on scriptures and books, and its dissemination mainly relies on "oral transmission", which makes it particularly mysterious.
I think the best place to take photos of temples is along the S217 road. The red walls and yellow roofs of Bangpu Temple are in the pine forest and next to the rock wall, shining in the sun. When you get closer to the temple, you can't take a complete photo.
Bengpu Temple is the oldest temple in Daocheng. It is 30 kilometers away from the county seat and has an altitude of 3,940 meters. It has a history of 900 years and is a White Sect temple.
When we first entered Bengpu Monastery, we encountered a power outage. A lama with a bright and peaceful smile led us through the main hall. The lamas, chanting in the darkness by candlelight and ringing bells, added a touch of mystery to the ancient temple. Nestled against the backdrop of mountains and water, the temple is majestic yet tranquil and peaceful. Highly recommended, no entrance fee required.
Bangpu Temple is located adjacent to the scenic town of Sangdui, at an altitude of 3,943 meters, 30 kilometers from Jinzhu Town, the county seat. "Bangpu" means "inside the grassland" in Tibetan. The temple is named after the vast grassland at the foot of a sacred mountain in Sangdui Township.
The temple is built on the hillside, hidden among the lush green trees. A river meanders in front of the gate, and the temple is accessible only by a bridge. It is the most beautiful temple along the way.
In the inner hall, the sound of Buddhist chants lingers, the butter lamps flicker, and the majestic Buddha stands in the middle. As soon as you enter, you can't help but put your hands together in awe! Benbo Temple is basically non-commercial, and precisely because of this, it is even more sacred. When you are in it, your heart can't help but calm down, washing away the fatigue of running around. Although the name of Benbo Temple is a transliteration of Tibetan, it means the edge of a grass dam. Although this Benbo is not the same as the other Benbo, being in Benbo Temple can indeed make people slow down and calm down.
Bangpu Temple is beautifully built, especially its colors and the details of their wall paintings really impressed me.
As we were cautiously walking in, a lama in the lobby came out and, with a gentle smile, signaled us to go in and take a look. He also took the initiative to explain things to us, which was very nice.
Bangpu Temple is a temple with a long history and is quiet and mysterious. When I walked into the temple, it was so quiet that I could only hear footsteps and birds singing. I didn't dare to speak loudly for fear of disturbing the tranquility.
The best time to visit Daocheng is September-October and April-May, when you can visit temples along the way.
Bangpo Temple is the first Tibetan Buddhist temple I have visited. It is built by the water and has a quiet environment. The Buddha Sakyamuni is enshrined inside.
The temple is surrounded by prayer wheels, and you can occasionally see Tibetans coming here to pray.
A simple word of "Tashi Delek" can earn them return gifts and smiles.
Different from Bon religion, Tibetan Buddhism requires clockwise rotation, whether it is turning prayer wheels or circumambulating the mountain.
When he was about to leave, he met a lay Buddhist who came to the temple to visit a friend. The lay Buddhist treated him with tea and curds, and they talked about Buddhism and scriptures, thus forming a good relationship.
Due to time constraints, I did not go in to visit, but it felt very comfortable to look at the mountains by the roadside. I will go in and take a look next time I have the chance.
Prayer wheels, prayer flags, devout Tibetans, and meditating lamas form a picture in the small temple, which makes you want to do nothing and stay there forever.
I have traveled all over Kang region, and this is the most beautiful place.
There is a particularly eye-catching temple on the road from the airport to Daocheng. It was once the residence of the Karmapa and is a temple of the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
I was fortunate to meet the abbot of Benbo Monastery, Master Kezhu, and pay homage to the first Karmapa in person, experiencing the sacredness of Tibetan Buddhism. While both Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism are distinct, their doctrines and teachings are largely the same, with the Buddha embracing compassion and seeking salvation for all living beings.
After bidding farewell to Haizi Mountain, we headed south and found a temple at the foot of a steep cliff. Bird said frankly that this was the first time he had found this temple after leading so many Daocheng tours.
When we entered the temple, the courtyard was empty except for an elderly Tibetan woman working under a tree. In her shaky Mandarin, she reminded us to walk clockwise and repeatedly invited us to come in and worship the Buddha.
As we approached the main hall, we found the temple's name: Bangpu Temple. It turned out to be a temple with a history of 900 years, belonging to the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Compared with the grandeur of Litang Temple, Bengpu Temple is restrained; compared with the prosperity of Litang Temple, Bengpu Temple is quiet and peaceful.
Visitors are free to enter and exit the main hall of Bangpu Monastery. However, the side halls are guarded and locked. Upon learning of our arrival, the lama opened the door for us.
In the main hall, Bird Brother showed us butter sculptures, emphasizing how rare they are. Using butter as a base, butter sculptures are a sophisticated art form with a long history, depicting people, flowers, birds, animals, trees, and other human figures.
In the side hall, you can see more exquisite butter sculptures and even see the ancient thangka paintings that have been repainted with meticulous brushwork.
Outside the temple, there are Tibetan houses scattered in an orderly manner.