The City of Prayers: Xinzhai Gyanak Mani Stone City and the World's Largest Stone Library

A City Built of Prayers

1.Located in Xinzhai: Village, Jiegu Town, approximately 3 kilometers from the center of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, lies a spiritual wonder that defies ordinary description: the Xinzhai Gyanak Mani Stone City (Gyanak Mani). It is not a city of houses and commerce, but a city constructed entirely of faith. It is widely recognized as the largest Mani stone pile in the world. Over centuries, pilgrims have placed stone after stone here, accumulating into a massive complex that covers a vast area. According to local records, the site is estimated to contain nearly 20 billion carved scriptures and mantras, earning it the reputation of being "The World's First Stone Carved Library".

The Legacy of the Great Traveler

The history of this sacred site dates back over 300 years to the era of the First Jiana Rinpoche (Gyanak Tulku). The Rinpoche was a renowned scholar and traveler who wandered through India, Sikkim, and the sacred mountains of Han China, including Mount Emei and Mount Wutai, mastering various languages and Buddhist teachings. Upon settling in Yushu, he laid the foundation for what would become this magnificent stone city. He was not only a religious leader but also a cultural innovator, creating over 100 distinct Tibetan dances known as "Duoding Qiuzhuo," which established Yushu as a famous "Hometown of Song and Dance". The site also holds historical significance as the place where the 9th Panchen Lama passed away in 1937 while returning to Tibet.

The Library of Scripture

2.The visual impact of: Xinzhai is overwhelming. The "walls" and "streets" of this city are formed by billions of Mani stones—rocks of all sizes meticulously carved with the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," images of deities, and entire passages from Buddhist sutras. To the west of the stone pile sits the Xinzhai Monastery (Jiana Monastery), while the pile itself is surrounded by walls also made of Mani stones. On the eastern side, visitors will find eight white stupas and a massive prayer wheel, creating a sacred enclosure. Walking through the lanes of this stone city is like walking through a physical manifestation of millions of prayers, where the rough texture of the rock meets the delicate artistry of devotion.

A Living Circle of Faith

Xinzhai is not a static monument; it is a living center of worship. Every day, especially during festivals like the Mani Stone Festival (held from the 14th to the 16th of the 12th lunar month), thousands of believers from Tibet, Sichuan, and Qinghai gather here. They circumambulate the pile (Kora), spin the prayer wheels, and perform the traditional Jiana dance. You will often see local artisans at the foot of the pile, continuing the centuries-old tradition of carving new stones, accumulating merit for themselves and praying for all sentient beings. The sound of chisels on stone accompanies the murmuring of mantras, creating a unique auditory landscape that resonates with the heartbeat of the plateau.