Yilin Courtyard (Labrang Monastery Branch): A Wooden Haven by the Buddhist Land

This Tibetan-style guesthouse, officially welcoming guests in 2024, feels like a time-polished wooden bead nestled in the lively streets of Xiahe County. Located just 1.16 kilometers from Labrang Monastery, a 15-minute walk brings you to the warmth of prayer wheels, while a quick turn leads you into a tranquil corner surrounded by solid wood furniture. The entire courtyard is infused with the fresh scent of pinewood. All furniture is made of heavy solid wood, with dining tables still bearing the rings of the trees they came from, and sofa armrests warmed slightly by the sun. The tea room in the communal area is particularly enchanting, where a Tibetan mother often sits by the window spinning wool, sunlight streaming through lattice windows onto her traditional robe, intertwining with the steam rising from the teaware to create a picturesque scene. The five guest rooms each have their own charm. Some feature small terraces offering views of the monastery's golden roof in the distance, while others are tucked at the end of corridors, with windows opening to the courtyard's blooming Gesang flowers. The bedding is so impeccably clean that even frequent travelers who usually bring their own sheets can't help but praise it. The owner proudly states, "Every room is cleaned to our own home standards," a meticulousness reflected in the carved details of the bedside tables and the spotless bathroom mirrors. Staying here offers the perfect "balance of proximity and privacy": - At 6 AM, join the crowd heading to Labrang Monastery, watch the morning light gild the Gongtang Pagoda, and return just in time for breakfast after completing the prayer wheel circuit. - Spend the afternoon exploring the Labrang Tsongla Market, picking out a handmade Tibetan rug and some yak milk cheese, and grab Tibetan noodles to-go from Tibetan Family Restaurant No. 1 on your way back. - In the evening, visit Sangke Wetland Park to see the sunset paint the grasslands in golden-red hues, then return to the courtyard before dark to cozy up in the home theater with an old movie. - For those wanting to experience Tibetan nightlife, the KTV and game room are always open. Singing with friends late into the night is welcome here, as the courtyard allows parties, making it feel like visiting a friend's home. The owner often says, "Coming here is like coming home." Indeed, during our three days at Yilin Courtyard, we learned to say "thank you" in Tibetan, discovered the right amount of salt for butter tea, and even recognized familiar neighbors by the sound of their footsteps during prayer walks. On the day we left, the Tibetan mother's daughter handed me a small bag of tsampa, saying, "Next time, I'll teach you how to make Tibetan dumplings." It turns out the best travel experiences are those where you find warmth that feels like family in unfamiliar places. Yilin Courtyard embodies this sentiment—it may not be in the scenery, but it makes every view feel like home.