Kumbum Monastery - Hall of the Great Sutra

Originally built in 1606 and later extended, the Hall of the Great Sutra (Dajing Tang) was destroyed by fire in 1913 but rebuilt in 1917.

It is here that the lamas assemble to read the scriptures together or to receive religious instruction. The Hall measures 1981sq.m/21,315sq.ft and will hold up to 2000 people. The flat roof of this typically Tibetan edifice rests on 108 square columns encased in priceless tapestries displaying dragon motifs and is decorated with a wheel, the symbol of Buddhist teaching, and with statues of a gazelle and a deer.

The interior is adorned with rolled-up pictures (thangkas), including some appliqué work - a specialty of the monastery. Visitors can also see some typical examples of local crafts