Shadzong Ritro, or Xiazong Monastery, is a revered Gelug mountain hermitage clinging to red sandstone cliffs near Xining, Qinghai. Founded in the early 14th century by the 4th Karmapa, the retreat’s lasting sanctity comes from its link to Tsongkhapa, the Gelug founding master, who received his novice tonsure here aged seven. Legend holds a strand of his buried hair sprouted into a surviving sacred cypress, the site’s most cherished relic
