Ganzi Monastery (also known as Kandze or Garzê Monastery) is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Ganzi County, Sichuan Province, China. It sits on a hilltop north of Garzê Town, offering a view of the town below the mountains of Kawalori and Gangga.
Ganzi Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the famous "Thirteen Huo’er Monasteries" in the Kham region, historically linked to the Mongols known as "Huo’er". It was traditionally one of the the largest and most important temples in the Ganzi Prefecture, with close political ties to the local Kongsa (or Qosot) chieftains (Tusi). The monastery was established around 1642 CE by the Khoshut Mongols. The current structures are the result of extensive renovations and rebuilding that took place after 1981, as the original was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.
The main complex is a striking building with a golden roof that blends Han and Tibetan architectural styles. It is a large structure with several key halls:
Main Assembly Hall: This is the main building, approached by a long staircase, with views overlooking the valley. Inside, there are images representing the founders of the Nyingmapa, Kadampa, and Gelugpa lineages, as well as fine thangkas (religious paintings) of meditational deities.
Maitreya Hall: It houses a large image of Jampa (Maitreya, the Future Buddha), flanked by other important figures.
Other Rooms: The monastery includes a library containing the Kangyur (Buddhist scriptures), a Gonkhang room dedicated to guardian deities, and a reconstructed white chorten (stupa) located on a hill to the northeast.
Ganzi Monastery is not just a religious site; it has also been the stage for significant historical events. Most notably, after the 9th Panchen Lama passed away in 1937, his funeral cortege was housed at Ganzi Monastery while his entourage was stranded there, which later contributed to a local conflict known as the "Ganzi Incident" in 1939.
Ganzi Monastery
Ganzi Monastery
Ganzi Monastery
Ganzi Monastery
Recommended time of visit: 1h-2h
Ticket Information: Free of charge
Business Hour: 6am-6pm
