Shigatse is a prosperous Buddhism city as it is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. In the past it was the most important political and cultural center of Tsang. A series of majestic buildings added strength to its political status. Nowadays, these buildings, the former symbols of power, have been converted into tourist highlights of the city. These cultural relics, especially the monasteries, with their mystery and rich holy color tell the history of Shigatse and show the status of Buddhism in people's lives. In addition to the cultural relics, Shigatse occupies a charming high-plateau land with attractive natural beauty. The complex landscape of this region endows it with various natural tourism resources. Many special types of natural scenery like Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak and other snow-capped high peaks add much charm to this remote land.

   Tashihunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet

In Shigatse City
Dozens of monasteries in Shigatse region give this land heavy religious atmosphere. In Shigatse City, the resplendent Tashihunpo Monastery built in 1447 is the most attractive building. It lies in the northwest of the city. The shining golden roofs and bright red walls contribute to the holy and magnificent atmosphere and its stately form can be seen from even tens of kilometers away. This monastery houses the world's largest copper Buddha figure which is decorated with numerous luxurious jewels. Every year in Tashihunpo Monastery, the Buddha Unveiling Festival shows the huge portraits of Buddhas and attracts many pilgrims from all over China. Meanwhile, during Sorcerer's Dance Festival, Tibetan dance of dispelling evils is performed.

The other place in Shigatse City that is worth seeing is the Panchen Lama's Palace. It is situated in the southwest of the city and houses many historical relics of Tibet and many delicate works of art. With a magnificent architectural style and peaceful environment, it is quite a good place for a summer visit. In addition to the Buddhist buildings, local residences in Shigatse are also worth a visit. In the north of the city, there is a clean and ordered old district. Most of the houses here are in typical Tibetan architecture style. The Tibetan people favor white so that walls of local houses are in white color. In the front door of every home, there are paintings of scenes and characters from the scriptures to dispel evil; while on the roof of each family dwelling prayer flags are hung.

Around Shigatse City
Shigatse prefecture has seventeen counties. Some of them also boast outstanding attractions. One of these is the world's highest peak Mt. Everest. It lies at the junction of Tingri County and Nepal. This 8844.43 meters (about 29,017 feet) high mountain has a beautiful Tibetan name 'Qomolangma' which means 'the peak of goddess'. With its holy appearance and unique altitude, Mt. Everest attracts tourism and climbers from all over the world every year. Around this highest peak, there stand other four mountains with altitude over 8000 meters (about 26,247 feet) and fourteen mountains over 7000 meters (about 22,966 feet). These snow-capped mountains form a great scenic area. In Tingri County, the Rongbuk Monastery is an interesting place to visit but not for the history or architecture of the monastery but the scenery of Mt. Everest seen from it. This monastery is the highest inhabited location in the world.

On the way from Tingri to Shigatse City, there is a county named Sakya which is more than 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) southwest of Shigatse City. Here can be found the famous Sakya Monastery. This monastery is nearly a thousand years old and boasts the reputation of 'the second Dunhuang' in China for there are numerous exquisite murals here.

In addition to monasteries, other buildings in Shigatse Region are also worthy of a visit. Like the Pala Manor in Gyangtse Town. It is the best preserved landowner's manor in Tibet. The furnishings and decorations in this manor illustrate the luxurious lifestyle of the nobility.