The Nine-Story Beacon of Faith: Exploring the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion

A Solitary Sentinel on the Gannan Plateau

Rising majestically above the skyline of Hezuo City in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion stands as one of the most distinctive architectural wonders of the Tibetan plateau. Located at an altitude of 2,936 meters, this towering structure is often compared to a miniature Potala Palace due to its grand presence and sacred atmosphere. It is one of the very few nine-story tower-style temples in the entire Tibetan region, serving as a beacon of spiritual devotion for pilgrims and travelers alike.

Dedicated to the Great Yogi

1.The pavilion is named after: Milarepa (1040-1123), a legendary figure in Tibetan Buddhism renowned for his poems, songs, and his attainment of enlightenment in a single lifetime. Originally constructed in 1777 (the 42nd year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign), the current pavilion was meticulously rebuilt in 1988 following historical destruction. It serves as a monumental tribute to the Kagyu sect's master, while uniquely embracing the diverse traditions of the entire Tibetan Buddhist spectrum.

An Ecumenical Sanctuary of Art and Statuary

2.What makes the Milarepa Buddha: Pavilion truly extraordinary is its inclusivity. Within its nine stories, it houses statues and murals representing almost all major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug sects. Across its various levels, visitors can encounter over 10,000 statues, including figures of the Founder Tsongkhapa, the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, and various tantric deities. The interior walls are adorned with approximately 5,000 square meters of exquisite murals that depict the life of Milarepa and various Buddhist scriptures with vivid, enduring colors.

The Ascent to Enlightenment

Climbing the narrow, wooden stairs of the pavilion is a symbolic journey toward higher wisdom. Each floor reveals a different chapter of Buddhist cosmology and history. Upon reaching the highest level, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Hezuo City and the vast, surrounding grasslands that stretch toward the horizon. The site remains a vibrant center of local religious life, where the rhythmic sound of prayer wheels and the scent of juniper incense create an atmosphere of profound tranquility.