Whispers of the Tubo Empire: Unveiling the Majestic White Pagoda Temple Ruins

A Sentinel in the Gobi Desert

Located on a desert platform approximately 15 kilometers east of Xiangride Town in Dulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the White Pagoda Temple Ruins stand as a silent witness to a thousand years of history. Situated at an altitude of 2,900 meters, this site represents the largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple complex from the Tubo period (7th–9th century) within the region. The ruins are perched between the majestic Kunlun and Qilian mountain ranges, offering a landscape that blends the desolation of the Gobi with the echoes of ancient civilization.

Architecture of the Tubo Era

The centerpiece of the ruins is the massive central earthen pagoda base, which remains over 20 meters high. This structure was originally a white, magnificent pagoda that served as a spiritual beacon for travelers and monks in the vast wilderness. Surrounding the main pagoda are the remnants of temple walls, halls, and residential quarters, covering an area of approximately 3 square kilometers. Walking through these ruins, visitors can trace the layout of the ancient complex, with its mud-brick walls and corridors still reflecting the structural logic of a grand religious sanctuary.

A Crossroads of the Silk Road

Historically, the White Pagoda Temple was a vital node on the Southern Route of the Silk Road and the Tang-Bo Ancient Road. It served as a critical transit station connecting the Central Plains with the Western Regions and South Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods, languages, and beliefs. The site is a profound example of cultural fusion, where Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Central Asian influences converged under the governance of the Tubo Empire. Archaeological finds at the site, including miniature clay Buddha figures (tsatsas) and small pagodas, provide tangible evidence of the vibrant spiritual life that once flourished here.

The Aesthetics of Time and Sand

For modern explorers and photographers, the ruins offer a surreal visual experience. The earthen structures have been sculpted by a millennium of wind and sand, creating a "Highland Aesthetic" that is both rugged and poignant. During sunrise or sunset, the low-angled light turns the earthen walls a deep red-orange, contrasting sharply against the blue sky and the distant snow-capped peaks. It is a place for deep reflection, where the vastness of the plateau and the persistence of history meet in a singular, evocative landscape.