The Kumbum Monastery, as one of the six most important monasteries of the Gelug Sect, is located at current Huangzhong County, Qinghai, 26 kilometers from Xining. It was founded by the Buddhists in memory of Master Tsongkhapa, who was born here, and therefore holds a high status in the Gelug Sect. Actually the monastery also experienced a process of gradual expansion. It was first founded by local eminent monk in 1 560 as a meditation chamber. In 1 577, the Hall of Maitreya was founded and then the monastery was continuously expanded to the current size. It consists of the Grand Sutra Hall and four Zhacangs, including the Exoteric Buddhism Zhacang, the Esoteric Buddhism Zhacang, the Kalachakra Zhacang and the Medical Zhacang. At most, it housed 3,600 resident monks.

The monastery is world famous for its paintings, barbola and butter sculptures, which are called “Three Marvelous Arts of the Kumbum Monastery”. The monastery is also famous for its architectural style integrated with both Han and Tibetan elements. Boasting a long history, rich cultural relics and convenient transportation, it has become a well-known religious site and tourist attraction in Qinghai. It now has more than 500 resident monks, who do a variety of religious activities based on the religious rituals.