A Qinghai-Gansu loop, two trips to Kumbum Monastery!

Kumbum Monastery is one of the six most famous Gelugpa monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and the highest institution of the Qinghai Buddhist Academy. On my second visit, I'm sharing the most practical guide with you! [📜 Basic Information] 🔹 Tickets: 70 CNY for adults, with half-price and free policies for specific groups. 🔹 Duration: 2–3 hrs (regular tour), or half a day if attending a Buddhist ceremony or in-depth cultural experience. 🔹 Transportation: Approx. 40 mins by taxi from Xining city center (70–100 CNY), or take bus 909/914 to Ta'er Monastery Station and walk. 🔹 Parking: Navigate to "Kumbum Monastery East Mountain Parking Lot." The parking lot is large and close to the visitor center. Do not park elsewhere, as you will need to take a shuttle bus, wait in line, and pay extra. [🎯 Important pre-visit tips] 1. Remember to exchange e-tickets for paper tickets at the ticket office. It's very convenient. 2. Really hire a guide❗ You can hire a guide at the ticket office. They can give you an in-depth understanding of the history of Kumbum Monastery and tell you many interesting stories. Prices vary depending on the number of people, and group tours are available. 3. Respect religious beliefs. Many people prostrate themselves in the temple, so try not to disturb them. Photography is not allowed inside most buildings, but it is allowed outside. 4. Respect customs and dress appropriately. Photo shoot costumes and short skirts are not allowed‼️ [📍 Tour Route] ✔️ Classic route (no backtracking): Great Golden Tile Temple (birthplace of Tsongkhapa) > Great Hall of Scriptures (Thousand Buddha murals + chanting scenes) > Butter Sculpture Hall (one of the three artistic wonders) > Eight Treasures Ruyi Pagoda (symbolizing the life of Sakyamuni) > Circumambulation Corridor (prayers and photos). ⭕ In-depth route: Add a visit to the Medical College (Tibetan medicine and culture), the Nine-Room Hall (statues of Tsongkhapa and his disciples), and listen to monks chanting scriptures (chance encounters). [‼️ Must-see three wonders] Butter sculptures (ice water sculpting), murals (mineral pigments that haven't faded for thousands of years), and appliqué thangkas (3D thangkas). [♨️ Buddhist ceremonies] Lunar January (lantern festival, butter sculpture exhibition), April (Buddha's birthday), June (circumambulation of mountains), September (sunning of the Buddha). Crowds surge during ceremonies, but the atmosphere is amazing! [💫 Nearby attractions] Xining city center: Tibetan Culture Museum, Mojia Street (yak yogurt, hand-grabbed mutton). [✋🏻 Things to avoid] 🔸 Do not point at Buddha statues, do not wear hats inside the halls, do not make noise, and turn prayer wheels clockwise. 🔸 Xining is at an altitude of 2,300m. There is basically no altitude sickness, but the UV rays are strong, so sunglasses + sunscreen are essential! 🔸 Clothing suggestions: Red/white long skirt + ethnic shawl to match the colors of the temple; thick coat + warm hat in winter.