Wutun Monastery is the epicenter of Regong art (UNESCO-listed), a Gelug sect monastery split into Upper (Shangsi) and Lower (Xiasi) Wutun, 7 km east of Tongren (Rebkong) town, on the Longwu River’s east bank.
Basic Profile
Location: Wutun Village, 7 km from Tongren; ~170 km south of Xining (elev. ~2,600 m).
Founding:
◦ Upper Wutun: c.1385
◦ Lower Wutun: 1648
Size: 50,000 m²; ~100 monks; one of Longwu’s Four Major Village Monasteries.
Names: Upper = Sengeyong Ganden Phuntsokling;
Lower = Ganden Phuntsok Choling.
Core Highlight: Rebgong Art Hub
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site; Amdo’s largest Thangka collection.
Murals, Thangkas, appliqué, sculpture—vibrant mineral pigments, fine lines.
Both monasteries run art schools; monks are master painters (22 resident artists).
Upper vs. Lower Wutun
Upper Wutun:
Quieter, focus on art preservation; grand Assembly Hall with carved/painted walls.
Icon: golden Maitreya statue; 8 white stupas at entrance.
Lower Wutun:
More active; hosts major festivals (Monlam, Cham dances).
Key: 4‑storey, 20 m stupa with Sakya Vajra statue.
Travel Tips
Hours: 8:00–18:00; CNY 60 entry.
Best time: May–Oct (art & weather); Feb (Monlam, giant Thangka unveiling).
Etiquette: Dress modestly; no photos inside halls; ask permission before photographing monks.
Nearby
3 km from Gomar Monastery (giant Kalachakra stupa).
5 km from Longwu Monastery (Rebkong’s main monastery).
