臺北市政府文化局

Lobsang Pelden Tenpe Dronme, the Seventh Janggya Hotogtu and one of the fourth great “living buddhas” of Tibetan Buddhism, was born in Qinghai Province in northwest China. In the past, his followers were mainly concentrated in Mongolia and Qinghai. The Seventh Janggya Hotogtu’s life was upended by the wars of modern East Asia and he was forced to migrate eastward and southward until he finally settled in a corner of southern Taipei City. He spent his last eight years in the alleys of Qingtian Street. In accordance with his will, his residence was donated and became the present-day Mongolian and Tibetan Cultural Center.

A supporter of the Kuomintang government, the Seventh Janggya Hotogtu experienced several relocations during the Second World War and the Chinese Civil War. He was titled “Protector of the Nation and Pure Awareness, Supporter of Education Grand Master” and was also appointed as an advisor to the Presidential Office. With his final move from Chengdu to Taipei, he brought with him numerous precious cultural relics such as Buddhist statues and ritual objects, the most renowned of which is the 100-year-old Guru Chöwang Pupa Chu, considered the manifestation of the main Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. Following restoration by National Palace Museum experts, it is currently on display on the third floor of the cultural center.

The Mongolian and Tibetan Cultural Center not only preserves existing cultural relics but also organizes various exhibitions and actively solicits contributions related to Mongolian and Tibetan culture. The collections range from the worship of the God of Wealth to festive attire. In addition, the center frequently hosts film screenings and concerts. If you seek to understand these regions beyond what’s depicted in martial arts novels and wish to delve deeper into their religion, art, and daily life, this cultural center is a must-visit.