Shigatse Overview

The city of Shigatse, 300km away from Lhasa (the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region), is the second largest city in Tibet. “Shigatse” means  "manor with the best soil”, known as “Xikazi” or “Xikasangzhuzi” in Tibetan language. The confluence of the River Yarlung Zangbo and its branches is here, 3836 meters above the sea level. The Shigatse area was called “Tsang” ( Tibet is divided into two part-Tsang and Anterior Tibet, Anterior Tibet includes the areas near Lhasa and Shannan; Tsang includes areas near Shigatse, more on these farther below) in the history with the City Shigatse as its capital, which is the center of politics, economy, culture, religions and transportations in Tibet, also the official location of Panchen Lamas.

The Shigatse area has tender temperature, ample sunshine, developed agriculture, so that it is hailed “the granary of Tibet”. The city of Shigatse is developing very fast, with impeccable transport network. From the City Shigatse, tourists could get to Ali to the west, to the Qomolangma Natural Protection Zone and Nepal to the south, to Nakqu to the north and to Lhasa and Shannan to the east.

The ancient city of Shigatse has long history and developed culture. Around it, distribute lots of attractions-The famous Gyangze Baiju Temple, Sakia Temple, Pingcuolin Temple, Juenang Temple, Pala Manor and the Qomolangma Natural Protection Zone over 30,000 square meters. The yearly Buddha Exhibition Festival and Vision Quests Festival in the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the Ximuqinbo Festival in the Shalu Monastery and the Tebetan Opera all enjoy a high prestige in the world for their unique style.