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The Panchen Lama's New Palace, also known as Dechen Kelsang Phodrang, is one of the Panchen Lama's palaces. State funding allocated for its construction in 1954 was used as the Panchen Lama's final resting place. The palace houses numerous Tibetan historical relics and fine art pieces, including a particularly exquisite mural, "Bhagspa Meeting Kublai Khan." The new palace has three gates. The first gate is crowned by four octagonal vermilion-lacquered pillars. The gatehouse is flanked by relief carvings of ferocious beasts, prancing dragons, and various floral motifs. The second gate leads to a courtyard. Entering through the courtyard and through the third gate, one can admire the majestic, magnificent, and solemn palace.
Plateau mountain climate; suitable for all seasons
Mural of "Bhagpa Meets Kublai Khan"; 1 hour
30 yuan
09:00-18:00
The Panchen Lama's New Palace in Shigatse is an important religious and cultural site in Tibet. It was built to commemorate the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism, second only to the Dalai Lama. The palace represents the continued significance of Tibetan Buddhism and is a symbol of Tibetan cultural heritage.
The Panchen Lama's New Palace is located in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center. Shigatse can be accessed by bus or train from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
The palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is pleasant and crowds are fewer.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the palace, and there are no online booking options currently available.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for the Panchen Lama's New Palace. Tickets can be purchased on-site. However, during peak tourist seasons or festivals, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid long lines.
Visiting the Panchen Lama's New Palace takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This will allow you to explore the exhibits, the palace itself, and the surrounding gardens.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and Tibetan. Audio guides in English and other languages can be rented at the entrance to help you understand the cultural and religious significance of the palace.
Start with the main palace hall, then proceed to the prayer halls and exhibits. End the visit with a stroll around the palace grounds to enjoy the views and the gardens.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, special cultural events and religious ceremonies may take place during festivals, offering a unique insight into Tibetan culture.
The palace can get crowded during holidays or festival seasons. The least crowded times are weekdays in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available on-site. There is also a small gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and Tibetan crafts.
The Panchen Lama's New Palace is accessible for elderly visitors and children, although some areas may involve stairs. Visitors with disabilities may need assistance, as the site may not have full accessibility features.
Cash payments in RMB are accepted, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the palace serving Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. For a more authentic experience, try local Tibetan food such as momo (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup).
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in local Tibetan restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but they can be found in specific restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in Shigatse.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the palace. Typical souvenirs include Tibetan crafts, prayer flags, religious statues, jewelry, and handmade textiles.
