Tashilhunpo Monastery has more than 500 years of history and is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug of Tibetan Buddhism. In 1961, Tashilhunpo Temple was announced by The State Council as one of the first key cultural relics under national protection.
It is nestled by the mountain and surrounded by a deep and winding lane, inevitably evokes a sigh: it is not merely a temple but also a city. The architectural characteristics of Tashilhunpo Temple are distinctive, the combination of religion and nationality is prominent and shows the integration of each other. Due to its significant role in Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery has evolved into a revered sanctuary, and its architectural design is an awe-inspiring landscape imbued with profound Buddhist symbolism.
The exquisite architecture of Tashilhunpo Monastery
Cuoqin Hall is the earliest building of the temple. There is a 500-square-meter lecture hall in front of the temple, which is the place where the Panchen lectures and debates the scriptures to the monks of the whole temple. The main hall can accommodate more than 2,000 people chanting sutras.
Among the buildings of Tashilhunpo Monastery, there is a tall building with a narrow side and square front, which is the Buddha-displaying Platform used to display the embroidered Buddha statues during the Buddha Exhibition Festival. It is unique among the major monasteries of the Yellow Religion in Tibet, which is a major feature of Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Treasures of Tashilhunpo Monastery
In Tibet, the Strong Buddha is one of the main Buddha statues in temples, and the Strong Buddha statue enshrined in the Strong Buddha Hall on the west side of Tashilhunpo Monastery is unique. For a long time before the development of modern casting technology, it was the largest bronze Buddha sitting statue in the world, so it was called “the world's first gold-plated bronze Buddha”.
Things to Do
Tashilhunpo Temple has a large area, with over 50 scripture halls and 3,000 rooms. There are many such quiet paths and yards where monks live. You can see many Tibetan believers who worship, and turn the prayer wheel in the temple.
At Tashilhunpo Temple, you can see many unique buildings and artworks. There are Printing House（印经院）, Shi Lun Zha Cang（时轮扎仓), Jia Na La Kang(甲纳拉康）, Qiangba Buddha Hall（强巴佛殿）, Fo Mo Boudhanatha Stupa（佛魔大佛塔）, and so on in the temple. These buildings and institutions show different functions and religious meanings. Rich and varied religious buildings and artworks will give you a deep understanding of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and beliefs.
After coming out of Tashilhunpo Temple, you can taste authentic Nepalese food. Because Shigatse is located on the main land route between China and Nepal, many Nepalese do business and settle down.
Features
Chinese Name: Zha Shi Lun Bu Si（扎什伦布寺）
Location: In the south of Shigatse city Nisseri mountain
Duration of Visit: 3 hours
Travel Information
Open Hours: 09:00-19:30 ( except 12:00-14:00 )
Tickets Price: CNY 100
Best Time to Travel: In summer
