Tashilhunpo Monastery | The Heart of Rear Tibet, A Haven of Faith

"Walking along the prayer path of Tashilhunpo Monastery, time seems to stand still.
The wind outside the red walls chants 500 years of prayers,
And I am but a speck of dust, gazing up at faith."

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Location
No. 1 Jijilangka Road, Sangzhuzi District, Shigatse City, Tibet
Opening Hours: 09:00-19:30 (Recommended: Reserve 3 hours for your visit)

✨ Why You Must Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery?
1️⃣ A Sacred Site on Par with the Potala Palace
This is the residence of successive Panchen Lamas and one of the "Six Great Monasteries" of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, holding a revered status. Built against the Nyiseri Mountain, its red walls and golden roofs, layered temple structures seem to float amidst the mountains—every snapshot is a masterpiece!
2️⃣ Awe-Inspiring Details of 500 Years of History
The monastery houses the world's largest copper statue of Buddha—Jampa Buddha (Maitreya Buddha), standing 30 meters tall, with 1,400 diamonds and pearls embedded in its eyebrows alone! Additionally, the mausoleum halls of successive Panchen Lamas, adorned with gold, silver, jade, and Buddhist scriptures, are treasures at every turn.
3️⃣ A Fusion of Culture and Faith
Encounter Tibetan elders spinning prayer wheels, monks in red robes, or witness the breathtaking display of a hundred-meter Thangka during the Buddha Exhibition Festival (Tibetan calendar, May), experiencing the purest Tibetan faith.

📸 Recommended Photo Spots
- Red Wall Corridors: Under the interplay of light and shadow, wear Tibetan attire or a bright-colored long dress for maximum ambiance!
- Great Maitreya Hall: Capture the towering copper Buddha statue from below, exuding a sense of divinity.
- Prayer Path: Shoot against the light to capture prayer wheels and devout silhouettes, full of storytelling.

🗺️ Suggested Tour Routes
1. Main Hall Pilgrimage Route: Densum Lhakhang → Jampa Buddha Hall → Mausoleum Halls of Successive Panchen Lamas (4th to 10th) → Han Buddha Hall (featuring treasures bestowed by Emperor Qianlong)
2. Monastic College Exploration: Summer College, Jikang College, and other four major monastic colleges, delving into the profound culture of Buddhist debate.
⚠️ Note: Hats must be removed when entering halls, tour clockwise, and avoid pointing fingers at Buddha statues!

💡 Travel Tips
✅ Tickets: Off-season ¥55 / Peak season ¥100 (subject to the latest updates from the site); audio guide rental is highly recommended!
✅ Attire: With significant day-night temperature differences, wear layered clothing for easy adjustment; opt for comfortable shoes (lots of uphill walking!)
✅ Altitude Sickness Prevention: Shigatse is at an altitude of 3,800 meters—move slowly and prepare glucose and oxygen bottles.
✅ Transportation: About 5 hours' drive from Lhasa, or take the Shigatse tourist bus line.