The temple was built in 1295 by Kublai Khan, the preceptor of the Yuan Shizu and the Dharma king of the Sakya sect, more than 400 years earlier than the Xiahe Labrang Temple. It is an ancient Buddhist temple in the Amdo area, before the establishment of the Labrang Temple. , Zen Ding Temple has always occupied an important position in the religion and culture of Gannan Tibetan areas, and its historical influence and status are second only to Labrang Monastery.
The Zen Ding Temple is located on the platform on the north bank of the Tao River in Zhuoni County. The temple buildings are in the style of Tibetan and Han combined walls, and the entire building complex is row upon row, resplendent and magnificent. There are many treasures in the temple, especially the sculptures in various styles, some of which are made by Buddhist eminent monks. In terms of texture, there are sterling silver, gilt, copper, wood carvings, jade carvings, clay sculptures, etc.
The main religious festivals and Buddhist activities of Chanding Temple include:
1. The first lunar month praying Dafa will last for 15 days. Dharma dance is performed on the 14th of the first lunar month, butter flowers are presented to the Buddha on the 15th, and Dharma dance is performed on the 16th. The Tantric Academy recites the "Jibul" sutra, sends "food", and holds a ceremony;
2. In March, the mid-term economic meeting in spring will last for 15 days, and will be held separately in each Zhacang;
3. In the April Dharma Assembly, in addition to chanting scriptures, the Esoteric Buddhism test will be held, and the temple will be worshipped and lifted, and the Esoteric School will use colored sand to make dense Buddhist altars;
4. Blessing Mani Sutras will be held in May for 7 days, and summer Sutras will be held in each Dhatsang;
5. The wish meeting in June will last for 7 days, and the treasure Buddha Dharma dance and Buddha exposure activities will be held;
6. The July Autumn Economic Meeting will last for one month. The Tantric Academy held the ceremony of the Dazizai Buddha Mandala;
7. In the mid-autumn session in August, for a period of 20 days, Juba Zhacang held the Dreadful Vajra Mandala Ritual;
8. In September, the Maolanmu Dharma Conference was presided over by the Xianzong Academy. The Mystical Temple held a bathing and blessing meeting;
9. On October 25th, commemorate the death of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect;
10. November, winter and January;
11. On December 29th, there will be a French dance and food delivery activities.
In addition, the Zen Ding Temple holds a grand "Dazhanggar" divine dance ceremony on the 16th day of the first lunar month every three years. At this time, people from Minxian County, Lintan County, Zhuoni County and other counties came to watch, and there was a flood of people.
