Shachung Monastery（also spelled Xiaqiong/Shachong）is a historic Gelug Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Hualong County, Qinghai Province.
Basic Info
Location: 30 km west of Hualong County, 105 km southeast of Xining; sits on a Garuda-shaped ridge overlooking the Yellow River.
Founded: 1349 by Choeje Dondrup Rinchen (1309–1385), the first teacher of Je Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelug school).
Tsongkhapa’s Connection: He studied here from ages 4 to 17 and received his first monastic vows.
Affiliation: Originally Kadampa, later converted to Gelug; follows Sera College curriculum.
Nickname: “One of Qinghai’s oldest monasteries”.
Highlights
Golden Buddha Statue: A large golden statue of Tsongkhapa near the main entrance.
Grand Assembly Hall: Traditional Tibetan architecture with golden roofs.
Panoramic Views: Overlooks the Yellow River valley and surrounding mountains.
Ancient Relics: Old halls, stupas, and murals; the founder’s stupa was later gilded.
Best Time to Visit
May–October: Mild weather, clear skies for photography.
Festival: The Summer Prayer Festival (June–July) with masked dances and rituals.
How to Get There
From Xining: 2-hour drive (105 km) via Hualong County; taxi or private tour recommended.
Nearby: Combine with Rebkong (Tongren) for thangka painting and monastery visits.
