Benchen Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yushu City, China
Benchen Monastery is a Buddhist place of worship in Yushu City, situated in a high-altitude area and constructed with traditional features including white walls and golden roofs. The complex contains religious structures and living quarters arranged around a central sacred space.
The monastery was founded in the late 14th century and served as an important center for meditation and Buddhist teaching. After severe damage in earlier decades, the complex was rebuilt and restored during the 1980s.
The monastery serves as the spiritual center for the surrounding community, with daily prayers and rituals that shape the rhythm of religious life here. Visitors can observe monks engaged in their daily practices and witness how Buddhism remains woven into the fabric of local society.
Visiting in early morning light allows you to see the monastery as it awakens and to experience the quietest moments. Wear good shoes because of the high altitude, and take your time moving through the grounds to adjust to the elevation.
A free medical clinic has operated on the monastery grounds since the 1990s, serving both locals and traveling pilgrims. This unexpected blend of spiritual practice and practical healthcare shows how the site cares for people's physical wellbeing alongside their spiritual needs.
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