Name: Tongren District

Chinese name: 同仁县

Province: Qinghai

Prefecture: Huangnan

Status: District (Xian)

Population: 260,000

Area: 3,300 km²

Tongren is a district within the Huangnan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province. The Xian is situated just over 180 kilometers from Xining, the provincial capital.

The Tongren region is renowned for its artistic prominence and the production of thangkas—traditional paintings on Tibetan canvas.

History

The arts of Rebgong city, also known as Tongren, gained international recognition and were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

In October 2010, Tibetan students staged protests advocating for "equality among ethnic groups" and "language freedom." Many expressed concern that their school textbooks were exclusively in Chinese.

Today

The Tongren District comprises several villages with predominantly Tibetan populations. The abundance of monasteries throughout the district means you'll encounter monks regularly as you explore each settlement. You'll also encounter Hui merchants supplying the temples along the way.

Thangka production—these intricate Tibetan canvas paintings—has become the region's signature art form. You'll also find meticulously painted statues. These arts rank among Tibet's finest, so much so that a Tibetan art school bears the city's name.

Visiting the Wutun Temple offers the chance to meet artisans and acquire paintings as souvenirs.

No visit to Tongren District is complete without stopping at the Longwu Monastery. You can wander freely and visit the open chapels and residences. Along the way, numerous small shops line the path, offering everything a Tibetan monk might need.

Climate

Tongren's climate is dry and cold, with average temperatures barely exceeding 5°C.

Magnificent scenic roads connect Tongren District to other regional cities including Xiahe and Xining. Buses and minivans are available options.

Renting your own vehicle is preferable for exploring the district and surrounding areas.

What to Do in Tongren Xian?

• Rise early and explore the Longwu Monastery, pausing along the way to browse souvenirs from local vendors.
• Head to Sengeshong village to visit the Wutun Temple and let monks guide you through their paintings and the art school.
• Stroll through the valley to Gomar Gompa.
• Experience the Lurol local festival, during which participants engage in traditional body piercing practices.

Discover all activities available in Tongren.