In Xining, Qinghai province, the Ta'er Monastery, also known as Kumbum Monastery, is drawing large numbers of visitors during the summer travel season, with its centuries-old architecture proving particularly fascinating to younger tourists.
"It's a bit high in altitude, but really beautiful," said a 6-year-old boy from Jiuquan, Gansu province.
A 12-year-old girl visiting before starting middle school was struck by the monastery's architecture. "How did people in ancient times build these structures? Even with modern methods, it might be difficult," she said.
Behind the site's well-preserved appearance are years of systematic conservation efforts.
Liu Chengshou, curator of the Huangzhong County Cultural Museum, said State-funded restoration projects have been carried out at the monastery since the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-15).
The work has covered ancient buildings, residential quarters of living Buddhas, and facilities in the monastery's halls, helping preserve its historic architecture and religious functions.
"Over the past decade, the restoration work has protected the cultural relics while ensuring the orderly transmission of monastic traditions," Liu said, adding that the efforts have also helped maintain harmonious relations between the monastery and the surrounding community.
As summer visitors continue to arrive, the monastery offers younger generations a close-up look at centuries-old architecture and the craftsmanship that has helped it endure.
Jiang Yan and Wang Yijun contributed to this story.
