Built in 1447 A.D., the Tashilhunpo Monastery is the biggest temple in the Shigatse City.

The Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the six biggest monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet and the traditional seat of the successive Panchen Lamas.

Also called the Heap of Glory, the monastery covers nearly 300,000 square meters in Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city, after expansions by the fourth Panchen Lama and his successors.

The monastery is comprised of grand palaces that house gigantic statues and wall paintings showcasing Buddhist art.

Admission: 55 yuan

Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00(closed for lunch from 12:00 to 14:00)

Travel tips: During certain important Tibetan festivals, visitors can enter the monastery for free. The recommended time per visit is three hours.

Photo shows the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse City of Tibet.[Photo/China Tibet Online]

The 11th Panchen Lama, celebrates the Holy Dance Festival in Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, Sept.26, 2014.[Photo/Xinhua]

Photo shows the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse City of Tibet.[Photo/China Tibet Online] 

Lamas in the Tashilhunpo Monastery walk to the main hall for the morning sutra-chanting rituals. [Photo/China Tibet Online]