Mindroling Monastery (敏珠林寺) in Danang County (扎囊县, Zha Nang Xian in Chinese), Shannan (Mountain-South) Region of Tibet was built in mid-17^th century. The monks of Ningma (Red) religious sect living inside the monastery could marry and had children. They inherited the throne of masters of their older generations, not only from father to son. The whole monastery courtyard is being surrounded by towering mountains with scenic beauty. 

Inside the polygon-wall that fencing around Mindroling Monastery, the main architecture is the Zula’kang Temple Hall (祖拉康佛殿), facing the eastern sky with three levels, of which the lowest floor the Scripture Hall. 20 square-shaped columns supported the structure, one of which height 5.5 meters and goes up to the second floor. This hall has human head figures drawn on the doors and doorframes. The mural images of Gods Defending the Righteous Ways on the wall are lifelike, every god is having several heads and arms with fierce and fearful expressions. The gods, according to some documents in Tibetan Buddhism, are keeping enemies and evils away, so, they are called “Gods Defending the Righteous Ways”. The images incarnate the elite in ancient Tibetan religious art. 

The second level is a parvis with five lesser temples and several monk rooms surrounded. Two halls are located on the third level, a painting of a famous Ningma sect’s Lama is seen. 

Traditionally, Mindroling Monastery had been emphasizing the research in astronomy, medicine and calligraphy. The scientists there were appointed as the teachers at Potala Palace in Lhasa and some were writing and compiling the Tibetan Chronicles.

Tips: In addition to magnificent religious things, you may see the making process of incenses for Tibetan Buddhism rituals. Transportation: Take a mobile scooter in Danang Town center for about 30 RMB as far as Mindroling Monastery.

Telephone numbers for emergency and police: 110, health emergency: 120. 

The following list shows the postcodes and telephone codes of major tourist areas in Tibet. China’s country code is 086.