China Guide
Tibet
Shigatse
Traditionally the home of the Panchen Lamas – historically religious and political rivals to the Dalai Lamas - Tibet's second city, SHIGATSE, is often only used by travellers as an overnight stop on the way to or from Lhasa. While one day is long enough to see the two main sights, Tashilunpo Monastery and Shigatse Dzong, it's worth spending at least an extra night here simply to do everything at a more leisurely pace, take in the market and spend a bit of time absorbing the atmosphere and wandering the attractive, tree-lined streets.
The pace of life here is unhurried, but there's a buzz provided by the huge numbers of Tibetan pilgrims and foreign visitors. Although most of the city is modern, you'll find the traditional Tibetan houses concentrated in the old town west of the market, where you can explore the narrow alleyways running between high, whitewashed walls.
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