Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery

Located in Shigatse City, Tashilhunpo Monastery, also known as 'Auspicious Sumeru Monastery', is the largest temple in Shigatse City, Tibet, and the residence of successive Panchen Lamas since the fourth generation, and one of the national key cultural relics protection units. It is ranked alongside Ganden Monastery, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai, and Labrang Monastery in Gansu as the 'Six Major Monasteries' of the Gelug Sect. Many people say that when you go to Shigatse, Tibet, you must visit Tashilhunpo Monastery. Unlike the bustling Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple and Potala Palace, it is very quiet here, and sincere devotees kneel and worship here. This is where the tenth Panchen Lama Erdini Qoigyijabu passed away, and there are also pagodas of successive Panchen Lamas. The pagodas are decorated with pearls and various jade stones, and there are butter lamps that never go out all year round. The flames flicker in the breeze, making the pagodas seem alive. This temple is quiet and peaceful, like an old village, without worldly intrigues, without the noise of the world. Here, what we feel is the sincerity of the worshippers and the transcendence of the masters when they chant sutras. Under the blue sky and white clouds, Tashilhunpo Monastery is even more sacred. Therefore, it is said that if you come to Tibet, you must come to Shigatse, and if you come to Shigatse, you must come to Tashilhunpo Monastery!