View of Labrang Monastery from the hillside across the Daxia River

Another view of Labrang Monastery from the hillside across the Daxia River, with the Gongdang Stupa in the foreground

The 140 column Grand Sutra Hall is the biggest temple at Labrang and can hold up to 4000 monks at once

Another view of the Grand Sutra Hall

Walkway around the courtyard in front of the Grand Sutra Hall

One of the many murals lining the walls of the walkway around the courtyard in front of the Grand Sutra Hall

Entrance to the Grand Sutra Hall

Looking up toward the Gold Tile Temple

The Gold Tile Temple, so-named because of the copper-tiled roof which looks golden in the sunlight.

Another temple

Another temple

Another temple

Another temple

Another temple

Another temple

Another temple

Another temple

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The Gongtang Stupa. The original version of this stupa was built in 1805 by the third Gongtangcang, a famous reincarnation and scholar who lived at Labrang at this time. The original was totally destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

Gongtang Stupa from the front gate. Construction of this current version, funded by the government, Tibetan pilgrims, and overseas Chinese Buddhists, began in 1991 and was completed in 1993. The stupa has four floors and is 101 feet high.

Top of the Gongtang Stupa

Top of the Gongtang Stupa

View of the surprising lush landscape just across the Daxia River from Labrang

The Khora around Labrang: 1.9 miles long with 1173 prayer wheels

Backside of the Khora

Backside of the Khora

Stupa at the northeast corner of the Khora

Labrang is famous for its butter sculptures like this one

Butter Sculpture

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