Xigatse      Tibet Autonomous Region


Situated in central – southern Tibet, Xigatse is the second largest city of Tibet and a
political, economic and cultural center of the region. Known as “Nianqumai” in ancient
times, it is more than 500 years old and served as the capital of Tibet in the first half of the
17th century. About 300 km from Lhasa, it is an important stop between Lhasa and west
Tibet where pilgrims and tourists often wander.
South of the city lies the Tashilhunpo (Zhaixi Lhunpo) Lamasery, one of the four
lamaseries of the Galu sect of Lamaism and the residence of the Panchan Lama for long.
Southeast of the city is situated the Xialu Lamasery, a cross between Han and Tibetan
architecture, built during the Song and Yuan Dynasties.

The highlight of Shigatse is surprisingly high snow capped peaks. Most of the highest
peaks in Tibet, including Mt. Everest, are around Shigatse, in Shigatse prefecture.

There are lots of Tibetan style dwelling houses all around urban and rural areas with distinct and various styles and connotations.

Nowadays, Shigatse has become an important tourist attraction and transit of Tibetan golden tourist route, attracting countless tourists
at home and abroad with its mysterious Tibetan Buddhism culture.