China Stamps: 2009-16

Tab.

China Stamps
Name: Labrang Monastery
Number: 2009-16
Date of Issue: 02 August 2009
Value: 2 stamp/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Grand Sutra Hall
Grand Sutra Hall was built by Living Buddha Jamyang I and reconstructed in 1990. Housing a plaque inscribed with three Han characters meaning "Wisdom Temple", bestowed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it is the Han-Tibetan-style building with the largest floor space in the monastery.

1.20元 (2-2): Gongtang Pagoda
Gongtang Pagoda, rising 31.33 meters in height, was first built in 1805 and reconstructed in 1993. The golden pagoda is a Tibetan Buddhist architectural model in combining pagoda with monastery.

Located in Xiahe County, Gansu Province, Labrang Monastery is one of the great monasteries of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1709 by Living Buddha Jamyang I, Ngawang Tsondru. Comprising six institutes of learning, namely the College of Contemplation and Meditation, Upper Tantric College, Lower Tantric College, the College of Vajra Dorge, the College of the Wheel of Time, and the College of Medicine, the monastery is the highest-level academy of Tibetan Buddhism in Gansu Province. With imposing buildings, beautiful murals and abundant cultural relics, it is regarded as a treasure house of Tibetan culture and art. A place for gathering and reciting scriptures.