Tashilhunpo Monastery China is one of the most important and famous Buddhist monasteries in the Tibet region. Built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, Tashilhunpo is not only a spiritual center but also a cultural and architectural symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.
Introduction to Tashilhunpo Monastery China
Tashilhunpo Monastery (also known as Tashilhunpo Monastery) is one of the four great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, located in Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The monastery was founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, Gendun Drup. Tashilhunpo has been not only a sacred site but also an important center of learning for centuries, playing a vital role in the preservation and development of Tibetan Buddhist thought.
Tashilhunpo Monastery China. Photo: @flickr
Covering an area of approximately 150,000 square meters, Tashilhunpo is notable for its grandiose architecture, including many magnificent buildings, massive Buddha statues and elaborately decorated walls. The most prominent feature of the monastery is the nearly 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue, considered one of the largest in Tibet. In addition, the murals and sculptures also demonstrate the sophistication and respect for Buddhism.
Tashilhunpo is the residence of the Panchen Lama, second in command after the Dalai Lama in the Tibetan monastic system. This is where important religious ceremonies take place, attracting thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over the world to make pilgrimages every year. Religious activities here are deeply traditional and solemnly organized, creating a sacred and majestic atmosphere.
The monastery stands out with its majestic architecture. Photo: @miss_lilidTransportation to Tashilhunpo Monastery
Located at the foot of Drolmari and west of Shigatse, a 20-minute walk away, Tashilhunpo Monastery is very convenient to reach. Most tourists choose a tour that combines Lhasa and Shigatse
By plane: There are several flights from Chengdu or Beijing to Shigatse every week. It takes only an hour to drive directly to Tashilhunpo Monastery.
By Train: Two daily trains depart from Lhasa at 8:30 and 15:20 and will take you to Shigatse in 3 hours. Tashilhunpo Monastery is only 7.4 km from Shigatse Railway Station and you can take a public bus or taxi.
By bus: There are regular buses from Lhasa to Shigatse. Take one and you can reach Shigatse in 5 hours. Tashilhunpo Monastery is located near Shigatse East Bus Station and you can easily take a bus there.
Photo: @dscw
Best time to visit Tashilhunpo monastery
The best time to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery is from April to October, especially May to September, when the Tibetan climate is mild and pleasant. In spring and early summer, from April to June, the daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, not too cold and with little rain, ideal for outdoor activities. In particular, spring is also the time when the Tibetan plateau is in full bloom, the landscape is beautiful and the sky is blue.
July to September is summer, when temperatures are warmer, ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Although there may be occasional rain, the weather is still suitable for visitors to explore the monastery and other attractions. This is also the time of many important cultural festivals such as the Shoton Festival (Yoghurt Festival) in August, which attracts many visitors. However, in winter (November to March), the temperature is very cold, many roads may be closed due to snow, so it is not an ideal time to visit.
May-October is the ideal time to visit the monastery. Photo: @yo11yo11yoFeatures of Tashilhunpo Monastery
Respect the great Maitreya Buddha statue
Jamba Chapel (强巴佛殿) also known as Maitreya Temple, is located to the east of Tashilhunpo Monastery . First built in 1914 by the ninth Panchen Lama, it still retains its majesty and solemnity. Jamba Chapel is a five-story palace with two winding corridors below. It is a slate-paved chapel measuring 30 meters high and covering an area of 862 square meters. In the Jamba Chapel is a colossal statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. Standing on a 3.8-meter lotus-shaped base, this statue is the largest and tallest bronze Buddha statue in the world, measuring 26.2 meters high and 11.5 meters wide at the shoulder. It took 110 artisans 4 years to build this great achievement. You can find precious stones like diamonds, pearls and amber inlaid into the body of the Jamba statue in addition to gold and brass coated in the statue's coating, showing the deep reverence of his followers for him. There are also more than 1,000 gold paintings of Jamba on the walls.
The Great Buddha Statue. Photo: @ksinacn
View of Panchen Lama's Palace from afar
The Panchen Lama Palace (班禅宫殿) is where the successive Panchen Lamas lived. It is a white palace containing many inscriptions and silk-embroidered Thangka paintings depicting the lives and events surrounding the Panchen Lamas. Since the former Panchen Lama residence is no longer open to the public, visitors can only visit a few small halls in front of the palace.
Photo: @himalayanglacierVarious chapels in the Main Chanting Hall
The Main Chanting Hall (大经堂) or Tsochin Hall is the central and oldest group of buildings at Tashilhunpo Monastery , dating back to 1447 and accommodating 3,800 monks at a time. The walkways are paved with sedimentary rocks from the foothills of the Himalayas, representing a strong aura of self-cultivation. It is an important place for holding Buddhist activities. At the center of the halls is the intricately carved throne of the Panchen Lama supported by 48 red lacquered pillars and covered with yellow damask. Within the Main Chanting Hall are other halls including the Sakyamuni Palace, Maitreya Palace, and Tara Palace, where you can admire serene-looking statues and exquisite Thangkas. In front of the hall is a square for chanting and sutra debate. On the surrounding walls, you can find carved Buddha statues in various postures and expressions.
Inside the monastery there are many small chapels. Photo: @naomi0913000
Visit the most famous Thangka Exhibition Floor
Located northeast of Tashilhunpo Monastery, the Thangka Exhibit Platform (展佛台) was built to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni under the direction of the First Dalai Lama in 1468. With a height of 32 meters and a length of 42 meters, it is the tallest building in Shigatse. Moreover, the Thangka Exhibit Platform is not only an important component of Tashilhunpo Monastery but also a special symbol of Shigatse.
Thangka exhibition floor. Photo: @pierreseche.chez
Thangka Sunning Festival
With a history of more than 500 years, the Thangka Sunning Festival is an important ritual held at the Thangka Platform and lasts for three days (from May 14 to 16 according to the Tibetan calendar). As the thangkas of Amitabha (the Buddha of the past), Shakyamuni (the Buddha of the present) and Jamba (the Buddha of the future) with their bright colors and exquisite craftsmanship slowly rise into the sky, dozens of Lamas begin chanting. It is said that up to 20,000 devotees will come to Tashilhunpo Monastery and participate in this activity from various places in Tibet. They bow their heads in worship to pray for health, peace and auspiciousness.
Photo: @wondersoftibetWith its magnificent architectural beauty, profound spiritual values and rich culture, Tashilhunpo Monastery is not only the pride of Tibetans but also a meaningful destination for those who want to understand more deeply about Buddhism and mystical Tibet.
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