Ngawa Sichuan travel guide

Ngawa Gomang Monastery, also known as Gemo Si, is a prominent Gelugpa site 13 km northwest of Ngawa County. Founded in 1790 as a branch of Labrang Monastery, it now houses around 600 monks. Its famed Faxi Courtyard holds Guinness records, featuring China’s tallest indoor Maitreya Buddha. The 35-metre Bodhi Stupa preserves precious relics. As a key spiritual and academic hub, it hosts traditional festivals and inherits profound Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Ngawa Kirti Monastery (Kirti Gompa) is the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) monastery in Ngawa County, Sichuan, at 3,300 m altitude. Founded in 1472 by Tsongkhapa’s disciple Rongpa Chenakpa, it was rebuilt in 1870. The 18,000 m² complex houses 2,000–2,500 monks and 14 living Buddhas. Its iconic 30 m white Dudul Chorten stupa and grand assembly hall define the skyline. A key spiritual and learning hub, it oversees 30–40 branch monasteries and hosts major festivals like Monlam.