TIBET IS A MUST SEE AND MUST EXPERIENCE PLACE IN CHINA.
The Potala Palace----"A bright pearl on the roof of the
world"
The
world famous Potala Palace is located on "Red Hill", to the west of
old Lhasa. It was originally built in the 640's, during the reign of King
Songtsan Gampo.
The 13-story palace stands 117 metres high and has over 1000 rooms. It covers an
area of 130000 square metres. The entire building is made of stone and wood,
with walls averaging 3 metres thick.
The Red Palace contains various chapels and mausoleums for previous Dalai Lamas.
The 5th Dalai Lama's mausoleum is in the west part of the palace and is
5-storeys high. His enormous Chorten is gold-covered and inlaid with diamonds,
pearls, turquoise, agate and coral. The whole structure stands 14 metres high.
The White Palace contains the living quarters of successive Dalai Lamas and
their tutors. The offices of the old Tibetan government and their assembly halls
are also located here.
The original Potala was destroyed in the 9th century, during the breakdown of
the Tubo Kingship era. It was rebuilt during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama and
completed in the late 17th century. It became known as the "Winter
Palace" by the 1750's, when the 7th Dalai Lama built the Norbulingka Park,
as his summer residence.
The Potala is full of elaborate art work and frescos that tell many stories.
They portray religious subjects as well as the customs and traditions of Tibet.
The frescos in the west hall depict the life story of the 5th Dalai Lama. One
picture describes an important meeting between the 5th Dalai Lama and the
Chinese Emperor Shun Zhi n 1652. It was after this meeting that the title
"Dalai Lama" was bestowed on him and successive leaders of Tibet.
The Potala contains many precious works of art, including ornately decorated
statues, sculptures and Tibetan painting.
The topmost hall in the Potala is called "Sasong Langjie". It contains
a portrait of the Qing Emperor "Qianlong" bearing the words "A
LONG, LONG LIFE TO THE PRESENT EMPEROR" written in Han, Manchu, Mongol and
Tibetan. Dalai Lamas came to pay homage to this portrait on each Tibetan New
Year's Day.
The Potala has been a sacred place for hundreds of years. Thousands of pilgrims
from Tibet, other parts of China and abroad come every year to pay homage. Their
devotion is shown by the difficult journeys they have to make to reach their
"Holy city."
After the peaceful liberation of Tibet, the Potala was listed as a cultural
relic under the special protection of the state. Architecturally, it is
considered to be one of the wonders of the world--admired by Chinese
nationalities and foreigner's alike.
Sera monastery
Sera means "Hailstone" in Tibetan, and legend tells that it hailed
during the foundation of this famous monastery. Sear was the last of the three
principal Yellow Sect monasteries to be built in Lhasa. Unlike Drepung and
Gandan, it was not built in a mountainside, but at the foot of the "Wudu
Hill" to the North of Lhasa city. It was completed in 1419, under the
supervision of Shaka Yeshe was an important teacher who travelled to Beijing and
as far as Mongolia to preach Buddhism. He was given the title "The Tutor of
the Empire", by the Ming Emperor, Xuan De.
Many precious gifts were set to sera by the Chinese Emperors of the time, many
of which are well preserved and can be seen at Sera to this day.
Sera comprises a great sutra chanting hall, a college and 32 sections. It once
housed nearly 10000 monks and is proud of its glorious history during the Ming
Dynasty.
Sera has been listed as one of the P.R.C.'s national cultural relic since 1982.
Norbulinka Park
Norbulingka, or "Jewelled Garden", was the site of the Dalai Lamas'
summer palace. From the mid 18th century, each successive Dalai Lama moved to
the park during the summer season, and carried out all their religious and
political affairs from there.
The site of the Norbulingka was originally chosen for its banks were shaded by
many willow trees, in the 1750's the 7th Dalai Lama spent much time in the
peacefulness of this area, studying Buddhist texts. It was during his lifetime
that the tradition of a "Summer Retreat" began.
The park was considerably extended during the reign of the 13th Dalai Lama
(1876-1933) and many more buildings were erected.
In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama made his escape from the Summer Palace disguised as
a Tibetan soldier. Tibetan uprisings followed as the people of Lhasa swelled up
to protect the Summer Palace and their spiritual leader, and the subsequent
Chinese shelling of the area damaged all the buildings of the Norbulingka. Of
special interest is the New Summer Palace, built by the 14th Dalai Lama and
located in the center of the Norbulingka. This Palace is filled with interesting
murals and is definitely the highlight of the Norbulingka.
Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery, situated to the west of Lhasa city, was founded in 1416 by
one of Tsong Khapa's disciples. It was the largest and richest of the three
major Yellow Sect monasteries in Lhasa, and it also became the most powerful. It
is one of the largest monasteries in the world.
The 5th Dalai Lama enlarged Drepung and ruled there while the Potala was being
built. This magnificent monastery was built on an enormous scale, resembling a
huge walled city. From its roofs, one can enjoy a scenic view of Lhasa city.
According to religious records, during the foundation of Drepung, Tsong Khapa
discoverd a magical white conchshell with counter clockwise whorls, believed to
be buried by the Buddha Sakyamuni. Tsong Khapa bestowed this religious treasure
to Drepung, and it can still be seen today in the "Great Sutra Chanting
Hall".
As the most powerful of the "Gelukpa" monasteries, Drepung had seven
colleges and, at its height, housed over 10000monks. It owns many splendid
murals, elaborate statues and other rich treasures. A giant golden statue of
Buddha "Jiangba Tongzhenma" sits near the precious conch shell.
Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple, situated in the centre of old Lhasa, was originally built in
647 A.D. It is said the site was chosen personally by the wife of King Songtsan
Gampo, the Tang Princess Wen Cheng. It was built by craftsmen from Tibet, China
and Nepal and thus features different architectural styles.
The Jokhang is the spiritual centre of Tibet and the holiest destination for all
Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims.
In the central hall is the Jokhang's oldest and most precious object -- a
sitting statue of Sakyamuni when he was 12 years old. This was carried to Tibet
by Princess Wen Cheng from her home in Chang'an in 700 A.D. It is a gilded
statue adorned with many jewels, in an elaborate setting. Pilgrims have
prostrated themselves in front of this statue for centuries.
In front of the Jokhang stands an old and withered willow tree said to be
planted by Princess Wen Cheng. In front of the willow is a 3 metre high pillar,
which is a treaty stone recording the alliance between the King of Tibet and the
Emperor of China in 823 A.D.
The three-leves roof of the Jokhang offers splendid views of the Barlchor
Streets accross to the Potala Palace. The golden roofs are superbly crafted with
many birds, beasts, bells ad other intricate figures.
Barkhor Street
The Barkhor is found in the heart of Lhasa circling the Jokhang Temple. It means
"a pilgrim's inner circuit", and is the earliest street of old Lhasa
city.
It dates back to the foundation of the Jokhang and is an essential pilgrim
route. Houses and small inns were built all around the street. As time went on,
shops and businesses also set up in the Barkhor, and it slowly became a
prosperous area.
In the past 30 years many more services and facilities have opened, shops have
increased and the street is scattered with stalls. It bustles with activity and
is always jam-packed with trades people. It is a "must" for
souvenir-hunting tourists.
Many people call the Barkhor "the window of Tibet" as it is a typical
reflection of Tibetan life. It is a magical place, full of the mystery and
wonder that is associated with Tibet.
Ramoche temple
This temple is often called the "Minor Jokhang Temple" and is located
in the North part of Lhasa city, about 1km from the Jokhang.
Ramoche has a long history, and was founded at the same time as the Jokhang.
Throughout history it has suffered destruction by fire, and has been rebuilt
several times.
In the days of King Songtsan Gampo, Ramoche Temple was originally built to house
the famous statue of Sakyamuni, now found in the Jokhang, which was originally
brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng. Legend has it that when Princess Wen
Cheng and her entourage arrived at the North gate of Lhasa, her carriage got
stuck in the mud. Her assistants could not remove the statue and so they covered
it temporarily with 4 pillars and white brocade.
Later, the Princess ordered the construction of Ramoche as a shrine for the
statue. Twenty years on , in 652 A.D., the leader of Tibet was concerned with
rumours that the Chinese Emperor was considering an invasion of Tibet. As a
protection, he moved the Sakyamuni statue from Ramoche to the Jokhang, and hid
it from view. It has remained there ever since.
In exchange Ramoche Temple received a smaller bronze statue of Sakyamumi, which
has been brought to Tibet by Songtsan Gampo's other wife, the Nepalese Princess
Tritsun. This can still be seen at Ramoche Temple today.
The Dragon King Pool
The "Dragon King Pool" is found in the centre of a large park behind
the Potala Palace. It dates back to the rebuilding of the Potala by the 5th
Dalai Lama in 1645.
It is said to be man-made naturally produced from the huge amounts of earth
removed for the construction of the Potala.
The name "Dragon King Pool" however stems from a popular legend in
Tibetan mythology. Mamy, many years ago the area of Lhasa contained a large and
turbullent lake. Prince Guoja ruled the area but was constantly hampered by an
evil dragon who lived in the lake. This dragon caused many floods and brought
misery to the people. The only way of placation the dragon was to offer a human
sacrifice. Thus every year a young boy from the populace was chosen, and on the
1st day of the 1st month, according to the Tibetan Calender, he was tossed into
the lake and never seen again. One year, while searching for a suitable
sacrifice, the Prince's men discovered a small monk called Dwenjue, who lived on
a montainside with his poor family. On the appropriate day, Dwenjue was thrown
into the lake. Unlike his predecessors however, this boy had special magical
powers, and after a bitter struggle lasting 7 days and nights, the dragon was
slein. From that day on, the area became prosperous, and the people were happy.
In more recent years, a 4 storey pavilion was built on an island in the lake. It
contains a shrine dedicated to the Dragon King.
The surrounding parks has become extremely popular vit local people. There are
many trees and flowers and scenic picnic spots. Recently a children's playground
and garden restarant have been added.
In the summer, people go boating on the lake and in the winter it is perfect for
ice-skating.
The Lhasa Hospital of Tibetan Medicine
Tibetan medicine is a specialized form of medical science which dates back
hundreds of years.
Since the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, Tibetan medicine has been further
developed. The "Lhasa Hospital of Tibetan Medicine Research
Institute", the "Tibetan Medicine Factory" and the "Tibetan
Medicine School" have all been opened. A new Tibetan Medicine College is
currently under construction.
The Lhasa Hospital of Tibetan Medicine is the centre for all treatment and
scientific research ---- it routinely treats over 800 outpatients a day. It is
also the city's major Tibetan pharmacy, turning all sorts of plants, herbs, root
vegetables and other minerals into 100000 kilograms of medical products,
annually.
The Tibetan people have a great faith in their unique brand of medicine, and
much research and exploration has taken place. Ancient medical test have been
reproduced, and new research findings have been compiled and published.
Gyantse--- Palkhor Monastery
Southwest of Shigatse, in the town of Gyantse, is the Pelkor Chode Monastery, a
huge temple with a unique history and a wealth of Buddhist art. The Monastery
was founded in 1418. Originally the compund housed approximately 15 different
monastaries, made up of three different sects in a rare instance of tolerance
amongst the Tibetan orders of Buddhism. Today, however, the monastery compound
is much emptier and is maintained by monks of the Gelugpa sect alone.
Yamdrok Lake
Like mountains, lakes are considered sacrosanct by the Tibetan people, the
principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and
therefore invested with special spiritual powers. For instance, Lhamo La-tso
(Oracle) Lake is thought to be divinatory; everyone from the Dalai Lama to the
local villagers makes pilgrimages there.
Yamdrok Lake is one of four such holy lakes, the others being Lhamo La-tso
(mentioned above), Namtso and Manasarovar. It is revered as a talisman and is
said to be part of the life-spirit of the Tibetan nation. The largest lake in
southern Tibet, it is said that if its waters dry, Tibet will no longer be
habitable. The lake has nine islands, of which one houses the famous Samding
Monastery. This monastery is interesting, as it is the only Tibetan monastery to
be headed by a female re-incarnation. Since it is not a nunnery, its female
abbot heads a community of about thirty monks.
Today, both pilgrims and tourists can be seen walking along the lake's
perimeter, enjoying the diversified fauna and flora, admiring the snow-capped
mountains in the distance and visiting the villages scattered along its shores.
One of the most newly popular pastimes for Tibetans is fishing, new because
Tibetans are traditionally not allowed to eat fish.
Shigatse---
Shigatse, 280km to the west of Lhasa, 3900 metres about the sea level, is the
second largest city in Tibet.
It is located in the southwest of the confluence of Transpo River and its
tributary. Just as decribed as the Fertile Land in Tibetan language, its
agriculture and animal husbandry now plays an important role in Southwest Tibet.
It is a city full of hotels and inns, where people traveling from Lhasa to
Nepal, or from Nepal to Lhasa have to stay overnight.
The most attractive in Shigatse is Tashilhumpo monastery, which was the seat of
Panchen Lama, who was equally important as Dalai Lama. Stupa of the 10th Panchen
Lama who died in 1989 was kept here.
Tashilunpo Monastery
It is located to the west of Shigatse. It was built in 1447 by the 1st Dalai
Lama, who was the disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelug, or the ?°Yellow
Sect?±. Then, the head master gained the position of Panchen Lama, or the
reincarnation of Maitreya. The monastery has been rebuilt and extended by
successive Panchen Lamas, and became the political and religious center. It was
said that the monastery once housed more than 4000 lamas during its flourishing
period. After entering, right in front is the hall for the stupa of 10th Panchen
Lamas. The stupa is over 11 meters high. And is painted with silver color and
decorated with gold and jade. A 26-meter-high-gold Maitrey a statue is put in
the main hall.
Xialu Monastery
It is located about 20 km from Shigatse city and was built in 11th century. It
was once the residence of a great scholar, who did a great contribution to the
Tibetan Buddhism in the 1st century. When traveling a special travel permit is
needed, which can be got in the Foreign Affairs Department of the Public Bureau.
Tsedang---
Located at a remote valley, 195km away from Lhasa, Tsedang is the capital of
Shang Lan county. Legend has it, genius had lived here long before human being
resided in Tibet. After the Gods of the genius got married, they had six sons
who became the ancestors of the six tribes of Tibet respectively. Tsedang is the
hometown of tribes and an important place of origin of the Tibetan culture.
Samye Monastery
The Samye Monastery is at the foot of Mot.Haibusi on the north bank of the
Yaluzangbu riber in Jialang county.Being the 1st monatery,it was built in
761.The 5th TobuKing Chisong Duosan sent envoys to Kashmir and India to invite
famous lamas to teach Buddhism in Tibet. The monastery had been combined the
Chinese ,tibetan and Indian styles ,in the centre of the Monastery is a big
square 3-store hall with a floor space of over 8,900 squaremeters.the first
floor Is of tibetan style,the 2nd Chinese and 3rd Indian.To the direction of the
4 corners of the hall,4 towers were bulilt respectively in red,white,green and
black colors. The Sangsu Monastery is a typical buddhist building ,it deserves
its place in the history of architecture.
Changzhu Monastery
The Changzhu Monastery on the east bank of the Yalong River in the district of
Shannan.there is a legend behind the Monastery.It is said that once upon a
time,the site of the Monastery was an extremely deep lake.In the lake there is a
five-head dragon.After Srontsan Gampo got the control of Tibet,he wanted to
drain the lake and build a castle there.So he invited two Masters to lure a big
bird to attack the dragon.the two Mastes first of all immitated the sound of the
bird and lured the dragon out, then they immitated the sound of the dragon to
lure the bird out. So the dragon and the bird started a fight.The bird at last
chopped off two of the drogons's heads withits wings.Seven days later , the lake
disappeared.Some pearls were buried as the cornerstone for the monastery.That is
how the Monastery gotits name.
Yungbulakang
Yungbulakang is the palace for the 1st Tubo King Niechi in the Yalong River
Valley.It is also called "the Mosher and Song Holy Hall". Yungbulakang
is standing on the top of a hill on the east bank of the Yalung River in the
southeast of Naidong county.The castle can be divided into front and vack 2
parts.the front part is a 3-storey building,while the back part is a castle like
tall building.Enshrined in the shrine are the statues of Thiesung Sangjie
Buddha,King Niechi,King Srontsan Gampo and the Tobu Kings after them. The legend
goes that the "mysterious object" was on the foof of the castle, so
buddhists regard hereas the holyland.
The Tibet an King Tomb
Qiongjie village is situated in the South of Zedang, 28 kilometers upstream the
QiongJie river, where Dalai V, the king who reunited Tibet was born. On the
other side of the village scatter with a dozen of ancient tombs which are of
different sizes but all square. The largest is 100 meters in circumference and
20 meters in height. All the Tubao kings were buried here since Songtsampo. One
of the tombs, is the tomb of Jingcheng princess of Tang dynasty, who married a
Tibetan King in the early 8th century. Standing on the rock by the Qiongjie
river is a hill-like tomb of Songtsan Gampo, on which a small monastery was
built to worship the king.
Tinti---
Connecting Himanaya mountain ranges, Tinri, a village protruding form the plain
is the best observation deck for Himalaya. Unfolding before you is the world
highest peak-Mount Everest(8848 meters). Capped with snow, its magnificence
leaves you with exclamation. Tingri is the starting Point for climbers to settle
down. In winter, the cold wind from Himanaya chills, sometimes the morning
temperature can suddenly drop to 30 degree below freezing point. All these make
it a harsh environment.
