The Golden Heart of Tagong: Muya Golden Pagoda and the Sacred Watch Over Yala Snow Mountain

A Golden Beacon on the "Bodhisattva’s Favorite Land"

1.Located in the heart of the vast Tagong: Grassland in Kangding, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Muya Golden Pagoda (Muya Jinta) stands as a dazzling spiritual anchor amidst the rolling high-altitude meadows. "Tagong" in Tibetan translates to "The Place Bodhisattva Likes," a name steeped in the legend of Princess Wencheng's journey to Tibet. Unlike the ancient Tagong Monastery nearby, the Muya Golden Pagoda is a modern architectural marvel, built between 2003 and 2006 by the revered Living Buddha Gongga (Gongga Rinpoche). With its roof covered in gold-plated copper tiles, the pagoda shines brilliantly under the plateau sun, creating a striking contrast against the deep azure sky and the emerald or golden hues of the surrounding grassland. It serves not only as a place of worship for the Muya Tibetan people but also as a beacon that guides travelers across the rugged landscapes of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway,,.

Architectural Splendor and Sacred Relics

2.The pagoda is a masterpiece of Tibetan: Buddhist architecture, designed to emulate the style of the famous Ramoche Temple in Lhasa. The main structure stands approximately 37 meters high and features a distinctive eight-cornered design, symbolizing the Eightfold Path of Buddhism. Its thirteen tiers represent the thirteen stages of the path to enlightenment. The exterior is wrapped in red walls and topped with a magnificent golden roof that glistens with a divine light. Inside, the pagoda houses a colossal gilded copper statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, along with precious Thangkas, scriptures, and relics, making it a treasure trove of spiritual art. Surrounding the main tower are rows of prayer wheels and colorful prayer flags (Lungta) that flutter in the wind, carrying mantras across the grassland. It is a site where architecture and faith merge, offering a profound sense of solemnity and peace,,.

The Ultimate Frame for Yala Snow Mountain

For photographers and nature lovers, the Muya Golden Pagoda offers one of the most iconic vistas in the Kham region. The pagoda’s viewing platform is widely considered the premier spot to admire the sacred Yala Snow Mountain (Zhara Lhatse). The sharp, silver, lotus-like peak of Yala rises majestically in the background, forming a perfect visual dialogue with the golden spire of the pagoda. This composition—the "Gold" of the man-made tower against the "Silver" of the natural peak—is the definitive image of Tagong's "Highland Aesthetics." At sunrise or sunset, the phenomenon of "Sunshine on the Golden Mountain" (Rizhao Jinshan) bathes the snow peak in a warm glow, while the pagoda itself radiates light, creating a dreamlike scene of "Gold on Gold" that is visually arresting and spiritually moving,,.

A Living Center of Muya Culture

Culturally, the Muya Golden Pagoda is the heart of the Muya people, a branch of the Tibetan ethnic group known for their bravery and distinct customs. The area around the pagoda is often alive with the vibrant energy of local life. Devout pilgrims can be seen performing the "Kora" (circumambulation) around the pagoda, spinning the prayer wheels and chanting mantras. During major festivals like the Sa Ma Deng (Horse Racing Festival) or the Snow Shoton Festival, the grassland around the pagoda transforms into a stage for traditional Guozhuang dances, horse racing, and folk songs. The pagoda is not just a static monument; it is a living part of the community, connecting the ancient traditions of the Tea Horse Road with the modern aspirations of the local people. Whether you are there to pray, to photograph, or simply to gaze at the mountains, the Muya Golden Pagoda offers a serene sanctuary where the earth meets the sky,,.