Photo shows the Tashilhunpo Monastery, a Buddhist shrine located in Shigatse, the second-largest city of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. [Photo/sina]

Pious Tibetans pray in front of the Tashilhunpo Monastery early in the morning. [Photo/sina]

Most pilgrims across Tibetan areas and even the world generally go to the Jokhang Temple, the soul of Lhasa, for pilgrimage; however, another Buddhist shrine for them is the Tashilhunpo Monastery dubbed as the heart of Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Tashilhunpo Monastery, which means "lucky and auspicious" in the Tibetan language, is located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain), Shigatse. It was founded by the first Dalai Lama, Gedun Truppa, in 1447, covering an area of 237,000 square meters.

Listed as one of the six major monasteries for Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the Tashilhunpo Monastery is the most representative one in Shigaste. 

Standing at the entrance, one is immediately attracted by the dazzling Tibetan buildings with golden roofs and white walls. The main structures in the monastery are the Maitreya Chapel, the Panchen Lama's palace and the Kelsang Temple.

Besides the grand palaces and gigantic statues, the monastery is also featured characteristic mural paintings. The various shapes, splendid colors and exquisite painting skills are considered another masterpiece of Buddhist art.

Early in the morning, the Tashilhunpo Monastery is tranquil without bustling tourists but pious pilgrims. The shadow of pilgrims' worship on bended knees over and over is more touching than the majestic monastery itself.