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Things to Do in Shigatse

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Updated Apr 20, 2026
By ChinaTravelVIP  
Shigatse was the political, religious and cultural centre of Tibet. What can tourists do in Shigatse? Here we have put together a selection of interesting things to do in Shigatse so that tourists can make the most of their time there.

Shigatse, formerly known as Tsang by the Tibetans, is an ancient region situated at an altitude of 3,830 metres above sea level. As Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse is best known as the seat of the Panchen Lama. Situated on the alluvial plain at the confluence of the Yalong Tsangpo and Nyangchu rivers, Shigatse was once the political, religious and cultural centre of ‘Back Tibet’. The famous landmarks in Shigatse are considered the city’s calling cards, such as Mount Everest, standing at 8,848.13 metres, and Sakya Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of Tibet, founded by the first Dalai Lama in 1447. What can tourists do in Shigatse? Here we have selected some interesting things to do in Shigatse so that tourists can enjoy the best of Shigatse.

Visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery and Shalu Monastery

As the spiritual centre of Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery is a must-see for any tourist visiting Shigatse. With over 500 years of history, it is the largest monastery in Shigatse and the most important in Tsang. The monastery is built on hills. The chapels are terraced; the narrow streets are deep and winding. Walking through it, you will feel as though you are navigating a gigantic labyrinth. In addition to Tashilhunpo Monastery, some tourists also choose to visit Shalu Monastery, in the south-east of Shigatse. This ancient monastery, built in 1087, stands out for its combination of Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. Even if you have grown a little weary of similar Tibetan monasteries, it is still well worth a visit. Home to a large collection of murals, Buddha statues, scriptures, thangkas, musical instruments and other cultural relics, this unassuming monastery is well worth exploring. The murals it houses represent the highest level of Tibetan Buddhist mural painting during the Yuan dynasty and exerted a major influence on Tibetan mural art in the late Yuan and early Ming periods.

Enjoying Tibetan food in Shigatse

The Tibetan Family Restaurant is very popular in Shigatse. Located near Tashilunpo Monastery, it is usually packed with customers. The restaurant is decorated in Tibetan style and the waitresses are very friendly and attentive. The main dish is a Tibetan-style hot pot with some stir-fried vegetables as a side dish. There is also lamb and yak meat, much loved by Tibetans, all with an authentic Tibetan flavour. As well as Tibetan food, other types of Chinese cuisine are available. Outside the door, there are outdoor seats where you can sit, chat with friends and quietly enjoy sweet Tibetan tea.

Experience the Tibetan way of life in Shigatse

The Linka Festival is held in Shigatse on 1 June. It is one of Shigatse’s most popular festivals, when families go on picnics in the park, enjoying stunning natural scenery, a gentle breeze and warm sunshine. As the Linka Festival approaches, large numbers of local residents and Tibetan nomads from the surrounding area make their way to Gongjue Linka Palace to attend the gala celebration there. Huge marquees are erected inside the Gongjue Linka Palace, and the locals dance and eat local delicacies beneath the large marquees and trees. During the festival, competitions such as donkey riding, horse racing and archery are also held, traditions passed down from generation to generation. It is an ideal time for Tibetans to relax for a whole week.

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