The majestic Samye Monastery, built in the 8th century, is the first monastery that comprises of the three Buddhist treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) in Tibet. [Photo/ifeng.com]

Photo shows the Green Pagoda in the Samye Monastery. [Photo/ifeng.com]

Samye Monastery, built in the 8th century, is the oldest Buddhist monastery in southwest China's Tibet, sitting at the mountain area of Chanang County in southern Lhoka Prefecture.

The central Buddha hall in the monastery is integrated with Tibetan, Chinese and Indian styles in architecture. Also, four pagodas in white, red, black and green are designed and built at the four corners, representing the four divine dharma guardians.

The layout of the Samye Monastery mirrors the Buddhist universe.