Huiyuan Temple: The Imperial Sanctuary of the Dalai Lama

An Imperial Gift on the Grasslands

1.Located in the: Taining (Gartar) Basin of Daofu County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Huiyuan Temple (also known as Gartar Monastery) stands as a unique monument to the intersection of Han and Tibetan history. Unlike most monasteries in the region built by local chieftains or religious figures, Huiyuan Temple holds the distinction of being the only Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Kham region specifically built by the imperial treasury of the Qing Dynasty. Constructed in 1729 (the 7th year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign), the temple was originally established to provide a sanctuary for the 7th Dalai Lama, Kelzang Gyatso, during a period of turmoil and Dzungar Mongol invasions in Tibet.

The Sanctuary of the Dalai Lamas

2.The historical significance of Huiyuan: Temple is profound. The 7th Dalai Lama lived here for seven years, turning this remote grassland temple into a temporary religious center for the entire Tibetan plateau. Due to the Dalai Lama's presence, the Qing government allocated substantial funds to ensure the temple's grandeur and security. The temple's legacy continued into the 19th century when the 11th Dalai Lama, Khedrup Gyatso, was born in the nearby village of 下村 (Xiacun). Because of its connection to these two supreme spiritual leaders, Huiyuan Temple enjoys a reverent status among the Tibetan people and holds a pivotal place in the history of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

A Unique Fusion of Architectures

3.The architecture of Huiyuan: Temple is a rare and striking example of Han-Tibetan fusion, reflecting its imperial origins. Unlike the typical fortress-like stone structures of the Kham region, the temple was built with an outer wall surrounding the complex, mimicking the layout of a city on the central plains. The complex features majestic gates and grid-like positioning of halls. The main buildings incorporate glazed tiles, flying eaves, and dougong brackets typical of Han palace architecture, while the interiors and religious adornments strictly follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This blend creates a visual spectacle where golden roofs shine against the backdrop of rolling green hills and snowy peaks, symbolizing the political and cultural bonds of that era.

A Peaceful Spiritual Retreat

Today, Huiyuan Temple sits quietly on the vast Taining grassland (also known as the Longdeng Prairie). The surrounding landscape is characterized by flat, open basins surrounded by gentle hills, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the rugged gorges found elsewhere in Daofu. Visitors can explore the main assembly hall, the residence of the Dalai Lama, and the various stupas. The temple remains an active place of worship, where the sound of chanting monks and the sight of pilgrims performing prostrations keep the centuries-old traditions alive. It serves as a peaceful stop for travelers exploring the cultural depths of the Tea Horse Road.