Kumbum Monastery in Huangzhong County of Qinghai Province is blanketed by snow. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo shows a monk walking in Kumbum Monastery in Huangzhong County of Qinghai Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Built in 1379, Kumbum Monastery - also known as Ta'er Monastery-is situated in Huangzhong County, 25 kilometers southwest away from Xining, the capital city of Qinghai Province. It is one of the six famous monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa,founder of the Gelug sect. The entire monastic complex is renowned as a place of great historical and religious significance.