Ramoche Monastery

Ramoche Monastery, located in the northwest of Lhasa, is one of the key cultural relic protection sites of the Tibet Autonomous Region as well as a hot attraction in Lhasa. And it covers a total area of 4000 square meters (one acre).

The original building complex is strongly influenced by architectures of the Tang Dynasty, because it was first built by a Han person architects in the middle of the 7th century (during the Tang Dynasty). Han Princess Wencheng took charge of this project and ordered people to build the temple t facing the east which is the direction of her hometown, thus it has been regarded as a symbol of her homesickness.

Features
Ramoche Monastery fell into ruins and went through many reconstructions - only the Buddha palace on the first floor is left in its original state. The present temple is the result of the large restoration of 1986.

The main building in the temple has three stories. The first story includes an atrium, a scripture hall and a Buddha palace with winding corridors. The third story was the bedroom once reserved for the religious leader . Upon entering the main building, one can see the ten pillars holding some of the remaining Tibetan relics such as the lotus flowers, coiling cloud, jewelry and particular Tibetan Characters.

The golden peak of the temple with the Han-style upturned eave can be seen from any direction in Lhasa city. Needless to say, the temple is a wonderful example of the combination of Han and Tibetan architectural styles.

History
Ramoche Temple was built in the mid-seventh century AD. The burning incense has lasted for more than a million years. According to legend, Princess Wen Cheng brought a 12-year-old life-sized gold like the Buddha statue to Tibet. When they reached the present Ramoche’s site, the wooden car sunk into sand. The princess decided to place Sakyamuni Buddha here to dedicate after a closely consideration, thus the Ramoche Temple was built. This temple was presided over by Princess Wen Cheng and it was started and completed at the same with the Jokhang Temple. The front door faces the east which is the direction of her hometown, and it means that she missed her parents and home.