Shalu Monastery

Shalu refers to 'new leaves' in Tibetan. Shalu Monastery is the earliest monastery of the Shalu Sect. It was built in a quiet village, and is simple and pure. Many workmen of Han nationality made great contributions to this structure, and so it has a hall with the characteristics of Tibetan buildings and a roof constructed with traditional Han characteristics. It is one of the most distinctive among a great number of monasteries of the Gelugpa Sect (Yellow Sect). The Shalu Monastery consists of Shalu Lhakang and four Zhacang. However the four Zhacang have become folk houses, scattered all around Shalu Lhakang. Vibrant wooden and earth statues of Buddha can be found in Shalu Lhakang. It is true that the Shalu Monastery is the only one in Tibet in the style of the Han tradition during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The evidence is the roof of the Shalu Monastery which is covered by green glazed tiles. Building constructed in the distinctive traditions of the Yuan Dynasty are rarely seen in other parts of China. Frescos in the Shalu Monastery have a relatively long history. Most of them depict Buddhist legends. Human characters, animals, and plants in the frescos are all deeply influenced by Indian and Nepalese styles; but they also have important elements of the Song (960-1279) and Yuan dynasties.  

Admission fee:	CNY 20
Ticket selling time:	09:00---18:00