Published : 2026-01-05
Nestled on the sacred Mount Zizhu in Xizang, the "Celestial City" of Zizhu Temple has watched over the region for over 3,000 years.
As one of Xizang's highest and oldest Bon Buddhist sites, its cliffs perch like a palace in the clouds—a solemn, sacred realm that invites quiet contemplation.
Xizang's Zizhu Temple: Standing on a cliff for 3,000 years
Some say that if Xizang is a pure land, then Zizhu Temple is the pure land within the pure land.
Zizhu Temple (孜珠寺), located on Mount Zizhu in Dengqen County, Chamdo, Xizang, was founded over 3,000 years ago.
At an altitude of approximately 4,800 metres, it is one of the highest monasteries in Xizang and one of the oldest and most important temples of Yungdrung Bon, the indigenous religion of Xizang.
What exactly does "Zizhu" mean?
In the Xizangan language, it refers to six mountain peaks. According to Xizang's classical texts, Zizhu Temple is the bodhimaṇḍa of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and the six peaks of Mount Zizhu symbolise Guanyin's deliverance of sentient beings in the six realms of existence.
Mount Zizhu has precipitous terrain, with strange peaks and peculiar rocks dotted everywhere, featuring rugged, gaunt stones.
What is most special is that there is a hollow mountain peak here; looking from afar, it resembles a suspended mirror that can reflect the hearts of the world's people, appearing even more mystical and holy against the backdrop of the sacred mountain.
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The ancient and magnificent Zizhu Temple is situated on the sheer cliffs of Mount Zizhu, far from the hustle and bustle of the secular world.
Accompanied by mountain peaks and a sea of clouds, it resembles a majestic heavenly palace amidst the clouds, inspiring awe.
For 3,000 years, despite experiencing famines and wars, Zizhu Temple has maintained a pure atmosphere for spiritual practice.
Many Bon Dharma classics have been completely preserved, and grand Bon ritual dances like "The Bliss and the Hell," performed only once every twelve years, have also been passed down.
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Furthermore, sacred relics are everywhere in Zizhu Temple, such as self-manifested Buddha images, mantras in rock caves, and handprints and footprints left by Bon masters.
A sacred and solemn atmosphere permeates every corner, and every year countless Xizangans travel thousands of miles to worship here.
Although Zizhu Temple has a constant flow of worshippers year-round, reaching this place is no easy task.
Driving up from the foot of Zizhu Mountain, the road is winding, a gravel path that coils around the mountain; it is especially perilous and arduous under the unpredictable weather, and coupled with altitude sickness, it greatly tests the visitors' perseverance.
Therefore, those who can successfully ascend to Zizhu Temple are all people who have an affinity with the place.
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