Kumbum is one of the six great Gelukpa monasteries in Tibetan area. It was founded to commemorate Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelukpa-the Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Dedicated to his memory, the construction began in 1560 by Rinchen Tsondru Gyeltsen. After over 400 years it has developed into a complex of more than 30 ancient buildings covering an area of some 400,000 sq m. including halls, pagodas, stupas and residences for lamas. There are more than 600 monks in Kumbum. Numerous temples, halls, Stupas, and dormitories for the monks. Most of the buildings in this monastery were built in a combination of Chinese and Tibetan artistic styles. And numerous impressive historical relics and a vast collection of Buddhist texts are preserved in this monastery. Fresco, embroidery, and butter sculpture are regarded as the three unique arts of the kumbum monastery. The beauty and splendor of Kumbum monastery’s architectural art is well known all over the world. Being a precious cultural relic of China, Kumbum monastery is more than an architectural treasure house. It is a great palace of Tibetan culture and art, including various sculptures, beautiful statues, and religious artifacts. In the past and presently, Kumbum monastery is a place of pilgrimage, a sanctuary for scholars and a magnet for lovers of art and beauty.

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