Mount Qomolangma
Tashihunpo Monastery
Pelkhor Choede
Rongbuk Monastery
Sakya Kloster(Sakya Monastery)
Zhangmu Town
Dzong Fortress
Gyangtse Carpet Factory
Old Street
Pala Manor
Shalu Monastery
Shigatse Gold, Silver and Copper Crafts Factory
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 Mount Qomolangma (Mt. Everest), the world's highest peak and other snow-capped high peaks add much charm to this remote land.
In Shigatse City
Dozens of monasteries in Shigatse region give this land heavy religious atmosphere.In Shigatse City, the resplendent Tashihunpo Monasterybuilt in 1447 is the most attractive building. It lies in the northwest of thecity. The shining golden roofs and bright red walls contribute to the holy andmagnificent atmosphere and its stately form can be seen from even tens of kilometersaway. This monastery houses the world's largest copper Buddha figure which isdecorated with numerous luxurious jewels. Every year in Tashihunpo Monastery,the Buddha Unveiling Festival showsthe huge portraits of Buddhas and attracts many pilgrims from all over China.Meanwhile, during Sorcerer's DanceFestival ,Tibetan dance of dispelling evils is performed. Another famous monastery, Shalu Monastery ,is situated 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Shigatse. It's a perfect combinationof Han and Tibetan architectural styles.
In the city, you can also go to visit the Panchen Lama's Palace. It is situatedin the southwest of the city and houses many historical relics of Tibet and manydelicate 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 typicalTibetan architecture style. The Tibetan people favor white so that walls of localhouses are in white color. In the front door of every home, there are paintingsof scenes and characters from the scriptures to dispel evil; while on the roofof each family dwelling prayer flags are hung.
Additionally, Shigatse City boasts many other attractions worth seeing, including Shigatse Gold, Silver and Copper Crafts Factory and Sakya Kloster(Sakya Monastery). The factory, built up in 1955, produces silver, gold and copper ware vessels.You can go to visit it and buy some vessels as souvenirs. Sakya Monastery islocated on the way from the city to Tingri County. This monastery is nearly athousand years old and boasts the reputation of 'the second Dunhuang' in Chinafor there are numerous exquisite murals here.
Around Shigatse City
Shigatse prefecture has seventeen counties. Some of them boast outstanding attractions.One of these is the world's highest peak Mt. Everest. It lies at the junctionof Tingri County and Nepal. This 8844.43-meter (about 29,017 feet) high mountainhas a beautiful Tibetan name 'Qomolangma' which means 'the peak of goddess'.With its holy appearance and unique altitude, Mt. Everest attracts tourism andclimbers from all over the world every year. Around this highest peak, therestand other four mountains with an altitude of over 8000 meters (about 26,247feet) and fourteen mountains over 7000 meters (about 22,966 feet). These snow-cappedmountains form a great scenic area.
In TingriCounty
In Tingri County, the Rongbuk Monastery is an interesting place to visit not for the history or architecture of the monasterybut the scenery of Mt. Everest seen from it. This monastery is the highest inhabitedlocation in the world.
In GyangtseCounty
The Pala Manor in Gyangtse County is the best preserved landowner's manor in Tibet. The furnishingsand decorations in this manor illustrate the luxurious lifestyle of the nobility.
Besides, in the county, you can go to the Gyangtse Carpet Factory, the Old Street and the Pelkhor Choede (Palkhor Monastery or Palcho Monastery).
Zhangmu Town has charming natural scenery embraced by wondrous mountains, flexuralrivers, lush pines and flourishing flowers almost all the year round.

Travelers' Voices on Shigatse Attractions