Geser Sum Monastery, Ulaanbaatar
Geser Sum Monastery, also known as West Geser Sum, stands as a remarkable testament to Mongolia鈥檚 diverse cultural and religious heritage. Constructed between 1919 and 1920 by Guve Zakhar, a practitioner of the Blue religion (Chinese Taoist Buddhism), this monastery occupies a central location in Ulaanbaatar, nestled on the south side of the hill with Dasgan Ovoo. Established during the Manchu era, the monastery was funded by Chinese merchants, resulting in a unique architectural fusion that blends Mongolian Buddhism with elements of Chinese Buddhism and Taoism.
The design of Geser Sum reflects a distinct stylistic Chinese influence, yet it incorporates Mongolian Buddhist elements and indigenous shamanistic motifs. This eclectic blend highlights the monastery鈥檚 role as a crossroads of various religious and cultural traditions. Notably, Geser Sum remains one of the few monasteries in Ulaanbaatar that has not been overshadowed by urban development, preserving its historical and cultural significance amidst the city鈥檚 rapid modernization.
Following its closure in 1933 when the government repurposed it for the Border Army Song and Dance Ensemble, Geser Sum avoided the widespread destruction of Buddhist sites during the communist era. After the end of communist rule in 1990, the monastery resumed its function as a Buddhist temple. However, the site has suffered from neglect, theft, and the pressures of nearby development, affecting its condition.
In recent years, efforts have been made to restore Geser Sum through a collaboration between the post-communist government and the Buddhist community. The ongoing initiative aims to preserve Geser Sum as a vital part of Mongolia鈥檚 spiritual and historical landscape.
The design of Geser Sum reflects a distinct stylistic Chinese influence, yet it incorporates Mongolian Buddhist elements and indigenous shamanistic motifs. This eclectic blend highlights the monastery鈥檚 role as a crossroads of various religious and cultural traditions. Notably, Geser Sum remains one of the few monasteries in Ulaanbaatar that has not been overshadowed by urban development, preserving its historical and cultural significance amidst the city鈥檚 rapid modernization.
Following its closure in 1933 when the government repurposed it for the Border Army Song and Dance Ensemble, Geser Sum avoided the widespread destruction of Buddhist sites during the communist era. After the end of communist rule in 1990, the monastery resumed its function as a Buddhist temple. However, the site has suffered from neglect, theft, and the pressures of nearby development, affecting its condition.
In recent years, efforts have been made to restore Geser Sum through a collaboration between the post-communist government and the Buddhist community. The ongoing initiative aims to preserve Geser Sum as a vital part of Mongolia鈥檚 spiritual and historical landscape.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ulaanbaatar. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Geser Sum Monastery on Map
Sight Name: Geser Sum Monastery
Sight Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (See walking tours in Ulaanbaatar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (See walking tours in Ulaanbaatar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Create Your Own Walk in Ulaanbaatar
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ulaanbaatar is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ulaanbaatar Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled in the valley of the Tuul River surrounded by four sacred mountains, the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, is the political and economic heart of the nation and a repository of Mongolian culture. The name "Ulaanbaatar" translates to "Red Hero," a title bestowed in 1924 to honor Mongolia's independence from China, facilitated by Soviet support.
Historically, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historically, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles