Galden Jampaling Monastery is located at the junction of Angqu River and Zaqu River in Chamdo. It is also known as Qambaling Monastery, Changbalin Monastery, or Qiangbalin Monastery. The monastery was constructed by the Tsongkhapa’s disciple between 1436 and 1444. The main Buddha in the monastery is Byams-pa, hence the name. Jampaling Monastery has five living Buddha lineages, 12 dratsangs. During its heyday, it had more than 5000 monks and administrated 70 smaller monasteries around it.
The main architecture of the monastery has been preserved well. In the sutra hall, there are hundreds of various Buddhas and statues of eminent monks, such as Sakyamuni, Tsongkhapa and Atisha. There are also murals covering over 1000 square meters and lots of Thangkas, which represent the highest art level in Chamdo.
The first building on the right side of the monastery is the impressive Tsenyi Lhakhang. Behind it there is a debating courtyard. Left to the courtyard there is a side entrance. Passing the entrance and turn left up the stair, you will get to the top of the monastery. At the back of the monastery there is a large kitchen which just allows men to enter.
The top of things to see in Chamdo is the god dance in Jampaling Monastery. Each year, during the Butter Sculpture Festival, there is god dance performance. The “Guqing” God Dance with gorgeous costume and simple dance postures are very atmospheric and grand.
The grand festival for inviting Byams-pa of Jampaling Monastery is in Feb. 25 of the Tibetan Calendar (one of the date between Mar. and April of solar calendar). The festival has a history of more than 500 years. During the festival, there will be two activities: one is exhibiting Buddha Tangka and statue of Byams-pa; the other is pilgrimage. Thousands of monks chant sutra this day and tens of believers come to show their worship to Byams-pa.
Travel Tips
【Admission fee】: Free
【Transportation tips】: You can walk up along the upward slope at the square opposite to Changqing Street. You can also take taxi, which costs you in 10 Yuan.
【Photographing tips】: To take the picture that the monastery surrounded by two river which is very grand, you need to shoot from the mountainside of Damala Mountain. You can take the picture when you pass here by bus or car. It is easy to find the good angle here.
Best time to visit Galden Jampaling Monastery: Chamdo is close to Bangda Airport. As the monastery is located in valley, each year, from Nov. to Mar. heavy snow seals the mountain passes. And in July and August, it is wet season when debris flow and landslides are easily occurs. May, June and September is the best time to visit Chamdo.