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- Location: Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region

Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺), also known as the Heap of Glory, lies at the foot of the Nyimari Mountain in the west of Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, the monastery was later expanded by the fourth Panchen Lama and his successors. It is one of the six famous monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The 150,000-square-meter monastery incorporates a set of grand palaces which house gigantic statues and refined wall-paintings showcasing the Buddhist culture and art. The most impressive structures of the monastery include the Maitreya Chapel, the Kelsang Temple, the Panchen Lama's Palace and Stupas. The Maitreya Chapel houses the world's biggest Maitreya Buddha statue decorated with various precious stones.

Travel Tips:

1. The best time to visit the monastery is from June to September.

2. During some important Tibetan festivals, travelers can visit the monastery free of charge.

3. The standard room of the ordinary hotels and the star-rated hotels cost about 100-120 yuan and 200 yuan per night, respectively.

4. Don't miss the opportunity of trying the traditional Tibetan food such as tsampa (roasted barley flour), Tibetan butter tea, yak meat and yoghurt.

5. Remember to walk around the temple in clockwise direction, as the locals do.

- Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

- Admission: 55 yuan

- Tel: +86-892-8822515/8822221

- How to get there: Take a bus from Lhasa to Shigatse for about 60 yuan, and then walk to the monastery as it's just west of the city proper.