Gyantse

Gyantse is situated in Shigatse Prefecture south part of Tibet, the north bank of upper reaches of Lyantsu River of Yarlung Zangbo River. In Tibetan language, the name of Gyantse literally means the peak of success, and the top of the king's palace as well. Flew through by Lyantsu River in a whole year incessantly, Gyantse area is also called "Lyan" in Tibetan. In recent years, Gyantse becomes well known because it is one of the ways which must be passed during Tibet tour to Mt. Everest Base Camp.

Gyantse - History

Gyantse is located about 254 kilometers away from Lhasa. It was acted as the capital of Sutse tribe in ancient times, which later on has been conquered by Langri Songtsen, the father of Songtsen Gampo's. Since then Gyantse has become the fief of noble's.

It has approximately 600-year history of Gyantse earlier than Shigatse prefecture. Due to the very good and convenient location towards Sakya, Southern Tibet, Yatung, the Kingdom of Bhutan, and Sikkim, Gyantse was regarded as the vital traffic hub for business. With the fertile soil and abundant products Gyantse was the important city of Southern Tibet related to culture, economy, religion and education.

However, the most well known of Gyantse is the greatest reputation of the name of "Hero City", as honorable history of foreign aggression resistance. At the top of the mountain of Gyantse City center, there a castle standing over many years which named Gyantse Zongshan Castle. Meanwhile, a Hero Monument has been constructed on the square in front of the Zongshan Castle to memory the soldiers.

Gyantse - Tourist Symbol

Both of Palkhor Monastery and Zongshan Castle are the most famous tourists symbol of Gyantse. In 1904, British people has invaded into Zongshan Castle area but greatly and strongly insisted by 3000 soldiers and ordinary people. Hence Gyantse has become famous for Zongshan Castle.

Gyantse - Transportation

The highway is the major road lead to other area from Gyantse. Generally speaking, 4 people usually take a car together from Shigatse to Gyantse and spend 55 RMB each other. It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on the way. The road is asphalt road.

Gyantse - Culture

Gyantse Dama Festival has more than 500-year history. It is said that the king of Gyantse area has a high prestige, which has been greatly honored by local people after his death. After a short break during the war time, the activity to memory the king has being succeeded again by the son of the king in 1408. During April 10th - 27th, 1408, many performances such as singing, dancing, Buddhism scripture exhibition, and wrestle and other activities have been showed during Gyantse Dama festival, which the customs have been succeeded well nowadays.

Gyantse - Attractions

There are lots of uniqueness cultural relics in Gyantse such as Palkhor Monastery and Zongshan Castle.

Zongshan Castle is not only the historical witness of British invasion, but also the only one governmental architecture relic of ancient Tibet. Palhkor Monastery was originally built in 1418, which is the only one Buddhism monastery believed by different 4 sects.

Not far from Gyantse county the Pala Manor is the only one preserved well of old noble manors. Besides, there are lots of glaciers relics in the snow mountains, too.