Labrang

Labrang refers to Labrang Monastery, a major Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Xiahe County, in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province, China. It is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug tradition outside Lhasa and serves as a leading center for Buddhist learning, debate, and monastic discipline. The monastery is associated with the town of Xiahe and has long been a pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists.

History and significance: Labrang was established in the early 18th century, around 1709–1711, under the patronage of the Qing dynasty. It grew into an important seat of monastic education, housing numerous temples, sutra halls, and a large assembly room. The complex has undergone several periods of construction and restoration, reflecting its long-standing role in religious study and community life. Its architecture and libraries have helped preserve a rich tradition of Buddhist scholarship in the region.

Architecture and daily life: The monastic complex comprises dozens of temple buildings organized around multiple courtyards, with the Grand Assembly Hall as a central feature, alongside sutra repositories, study rooms, and shrines. Thousands of monks have resided there at various times, pursuing studies in Buddhist philosophy, logic, debate, poetry, and Tibetan language. Religious ceremonies, rituals, and festivals are an integral part of daily life.

Modern period: The monastery endured damage during the Cultural Revolution, with restoration beginning in the late 1970s and continuing thereafter. Today Labrang remains a leading center for the Gelug tradition outside Tibet, preserving its role as a place of learning, practice, and cultural exchange for both monks and visitors.