Green roofs
Five temples.
Zazaa Mongolia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · TuguldurJ — CC BY 2.0 · Francisco Anzola — CC BY 2.0
A small, elegant temple complex built in the early 20th century for the Bogd Khan's brother, the state oracle, which became a museum in 1942 and so escaped demolition. It now stands among modern glass skyscrapers, a striking contrast of old and new. The complex has five temples with curving green roofs and colourful decoration, ringed by stone-paved courtyards and trees. Inside is a rich collection of Mongolian Buddhist art: religious paintings on cloth, colourful masks of the traditional tsam dance, and fine sculpture by Mongolia's great old masters. It is calm, away from the bustle of the surrounding streets, its courtyards lovely for photos with the modern towers behind, and the short visit suits a day exploring the centre. A small entry fee; sources differ on the amount. Monasteries are living places of worship: dress modestly, walk clockwise around temples and prayer wheels, and ask before taking photos inside, as some charge a photo fee.
Five temples.
Tsam dance.
A striking mix.
South of Sukhbaatar Square, central Ulaanbaatar
It became a museum in 1942 and so escaped the destruction of temples Mongolia saw in that era.
