Sera Monastery: Listen to Buddhist Chants and Experience the Profound Buddhist Culture

《Sera Monastery Travel Guide》 Sera Monastery is located at the foot of Sera Wuze Mountain in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. It is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is well worth a visit. Here is a guide. Transportation You can take bus No. 6, No. 16, etc. to Sera Monastery Station, or take a taxi. It is convenient to get there. Tickets The regular ticket price is about CNY 50, but it may change sometimes. It is recommended to check in advance. Opening hours Generally, it is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The opening hours may be slightly different in winter and summer. It is best to check before you go. Tour route After entering from the main entrance, visit the Coqen Hall first. There are many Buddha statues enshrined here, and the building is magnificent and solemn. Then you can visit the various Zhacangs, such as the Meiba Zhacang, to experience different architectural styles and the strong religious atmosphere. Then go to the debate courtyard to watch the wonderful debate activities of the lamas. This is a major feature of Sera Monastery. The debate usually takes place in the afternoon at a specific time, and the scene is very lively. Highlights The debate is definitely not to be missed. The monks discuss Buddhism through intense questions and answers and gestures, which is impressive. There are also exquisite murals, thangkas, and ancient prayer flags in the temple, which show the profound cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism everywhere. Notes Keep quiet and solemn in the temple, and follow the rules when taking photos. For example, do not use flash to disturb the monks during the debate. Respect local religious customs and visit in a clockwise direction.