Overview
Take a trip to Shigatse on your China Vacation
On a China vacation, Shigatse, meaning ‘Fertile Land’. It is located 300kms west of Lhasa and is the second largest city in Tibet. The administrative centre of the Shigatse Region, Shigatse City is located at an altitude of 3,840 metres. Shigatse lies on flat terrain and is surrounded by lakes and mountains, including Mount Qomolangma, the Tibetan name for Mount Everest.
Shigatse is a stepping stone to Mount Everest’s base. While providing majestic views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan Mountains, this 600-year-old city is known for its ancient monasteries and is the abode of the Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual figure in Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery, established by the first Dalai Lama around the year 1450, features a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan architecture.
Having gone through some rebuilding, Shigatse is one of the most advanced cities in Tibet. Handicrafts are a main industry and tourists can shop for locally-made carpets and clothing, as well as enjoy a Tibetan opera, another of Shigatse’s specialties.
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Chinese Yuan (CNY)What do the experts say?
It is very enjoyable to travel in China by high-speed train, but you should avoid travelling during the National Holidays from October 1 to 7 and from May 1 to 4, as they get extra busy.
Jinxian Road in Shanghai is a small road but full of superb, Michelin-recognized restaurants. I highly recommend visiting here on your travels to China.
China's many beautiful natural sights and rich cultural areas are what I love most about visiting. Some of my personal favourites are Yunnan's Shangri-La, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the 5 Great Mountains.
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