Historical Sites in Yalong River Scenic Area

Yalong River Scenic Area is not only noted for its amazing natural landscapes but also famous for its ancient historical relics. Tourists making a Tibet tour and pay a visit to the scenic area will have the chance to explore the profound Tibetan history and cultural through a series of historical sites, such as Samye Monastery, Yungbu Lakhang, Trandruk Monastery and Tombs of the Tibetan Kings.

Historical Sites in Yalong River Scenic Area – Trandruk Monastery

Trandruk Monastery is located in Nedong County in Shannan Prefecture. It is said that this monastery was constructed under the guide of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng of Chinese Tang Dynasty lived here for a while in early days after she arrived in Tibet. Currently, only the central palace is preserved. The interior arrangement of the central palace of Trandruk Monastery is quite similar to that of Jokhang Temple. The construction of this monastery well integrated the architectural style of Nepal, India and Tibet.

Trandruk Monastery is of rich historical and cultural relics, including some precious murals, thangkas and statues. The statue of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng were enshrined in the central palace. The Pearl Thangka and Skyamuni Thangka are the most valuable thangkas collected in Trandruk Monastery. Besides, the bronze bell which has a history of more than 1000 years is of great research value. The bronze bell is sculptured with 12 Tibetan epigraphs.

Historical Sites in Yalong River Scenic Area – Yungbu Lakhang

Yungbu Lakhang is located on a hill on the eastern bank of Yalong River in Nedong County. It is said that Yungbu Lakhang is the first palace in the history of Tibet which could be dated back to the 1st century. The main construction of Potala Palace is composed of two parts. The front part is a multi-storey building with several Buddha halls, where the statues of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng were enshrined. The back part is a magnificent square high-rise blockhouse. Tourists making a Tibet tour and pay a visit here will be easily impressed by the flying colorful prayer flags here.

Historical Sites in Yalong River Scenic Area – Samye Monastery

Samye Monastery is quite noted as the first monastery in the history of Tibet which could be dated back to 762. There was no monastery with Buddha, Buddhism rules and lamas before the construction of Samye Monastery. Samye Monastery is quite noted for its ancient statues of the important figures in the history of Tibet and the tablets recorded the development of Tibet. Samye Monastery is highly respected by local Tibetans for it played important role in the spread and development of Buddhism in Tibet.

Samye Monastery faces Tsedang across the Yarlung Zangbo River. Tourists making a Tibet tour and planning to pay a visit to this monastery have to get to Samye Ferry from Tsedang Town Seat first and then take the boat to Samye Monastery. The ferry is about 30 kilometers away from Tsedang. Samye Monastery has been the must-visit historical site for tourists especially interested in Tibet history and culture.