Full View of Shigatse

How can we forget Shigatse Prefecture during Tibet tour? It is renowned for the Yamdrok Lake – the most beautiful lake of the world, Tashilhunpo Monastery – the residence of successive Panchen Lama, Mount Everest – the rooftop of earth, Gyantse – the ancient historic city and acted as the only way which must be passed to Tibet via Shigatse Prefecture, Zham Town – the border City and acted as the only way which must be passed to the Kingdom of Nepal, and Sakya – well known as the second Dunhuang of China, etc. It is worth traveling for most of tourists during Tibet tour.

Full View of Shigatse

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Tashilhunpo is the permanent residence of successive Panchen Lama's and well known as one of the monasteries of Yellow Sect (Gelug Sect). It is the largest monastery of southern Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery covers an area of 300000 square meters and full of large and small scripture halls. Besides, there are many historical treasures and Buddha statues. The highest Qyangpa Buddha Statue of the world is 26.2 meters high and 279 kilograms weight. The layout inside is exquisite and cultured.

Location: the southwestern suburb of Shigatse Prefecture.

Deqying Gesang Pozhang

It was originally built in Gonggyelinka and acted as the summer palace of the 7th to the 10th Panchen Lama's. But the original building was destroyed by the flood in 1954. The new one was rebuilt afterwards. Therefore local people also called it New Palace of Panchen Lama's. The new palace was magnificent and exquisite and divided to the dinning room, living room, office and Buddhist scripture halls, Buddha Statues, etc.

Location: Deqying Pozhang Road of southwestern suburb of Shigatse Prefecture.

Shalu Monastery

Shalu Monastery was rebuilt in Yuan Dynasty and proud of a long and profound history. It is characteristic of the architecture style of Han people and Tibetan people's. There are many historic murals and paintings on the walls. It is one of the little-known attractions of Shigatse Prefecture. If you are especially interested in somewhere little-known like that, it would be recommended for your information.

Location: Shalu Monastery of Shigatse Prefecture, about 20 kilometers south far from the city center.

Ripu Monastery

Ripu Monastery is embraced by the high mountains all around. It looks like a shining star when the sunshine shines through the leaves. A white tower is representative of Ripu Monastery and it is about 25 meters high. There are more than 3000 Mitsupa Buddha Statue and 1000 Sakyamuni Buddha Statue.

Location: about 4 kilometers southwest far from Shalu Monastery, Shigatse Prefecture.

Natang Monastery

Natang Monastery is proud of a 4-hundred-year longer history than Tashilhunpo Monastery. It is renowned for the Buddhist scripture printing hall. Most of the famous Buddhist classics were originated from this hall.

Location: about 15 kilometers far from the city center.

The old government site ruins

The old government site ruins were highly praised as the little Potala Palace in past time. It is located at the top of a mountain. It is divided into 4 floors. But what a pity that there is only the lowest floor survived till now.

Location: the northern suburb of Shigatse Prefecture.