Balcirud Monastery

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Chifeng

Balcirud monastery is also known as Baoshan Temple and is located to the south of Ar Horqin Banner. It was built between 1651 and 1689 during the Qing dynasty. Altogether there have been six reincarnate lamas from this monastery. It is the oldest and largest monastery with the most number of monks among the 24 monasteries in Ar Horqin Banner. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The architectural style of the monastery is Tibetan. The buildings include the main gate, the central hall, the Protector Hall, and the residence of the reincarnate lamas. The central hall and the Protector Hall have flat roofs and have a brown band at the top, which is a typically Tibetan style. There is a large bell on the platform in front of the Protector Hall. The monastery houses sculptures, paintings, and artifacts, all of which are of high artistic value.
The monastery is relatively better preserved and is a valuable resource for those researching the spread and development of Tibetan Buddhism, and its sociopolitical, economic, and cultural influences.