Drepung Monastery is located in the foot of Mountain Gambo, Lhasa. Drepung  is one of “Three Great Monasteries” of Tibetan Buddhism, after Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery. It covers 250,000 square meters area. The monastery is occupied by 7,700 monks, 141 fazendas, and 540 pastures. Compared to the other monasteries alike, Drepung is considered a a large scale based on the population.

Drepung Monastery

A unique thing about the appearance is that its white constructed grand assembles a heap of rice. Therefore, it was named Drepung than means ‘collecting rice’ in Tibetan.

Drepung monastery has a quite complex organizational system. The main divisions are Coqen, Zhacang, Kamcun, and Mycun. On the highest level is Coqen where Zhacan belongs. Kamcun and myicun are under Zhacang. The rule is that, monks belong to Zhacangs are not allowed to blend with the others.

Structures of Drepung are on the temples and caves for Jamyang Qoigyi. It is combined with two great white pagodas with the main buildings in the center. The buildings are Coqen Hall, Ganden Potrang, Tantric Colleges, and Kamcuns.

Located in southwest corner, the Ganden Potrang is the dwelling of Dalai Lama second, third, fourth, and fifth. It was then functioning as the meeting room for both politics and religion regime, after of Dalai Lama left to Potala Palace.

Drepung Monastery

The center part is Coqen Hall. A magnificent Entrance Hall is in the end of wide stone stairs. Fine colorful statues of Buddha, collections of precious sutras, Gangyur Tripitaka written in gold powder, a bronze statue of Qamba Buddha, and sutras of woodcarving are among the rare treasure possessed by the monastery.

Cultural relics in Drepung monastery are effortlessly adorable. In Coqen Hall are the statues of Manjushri Bodhisattva and Sitatapatra. Followed by rare sutras and conch shell of Jamyang Qoigyi those are kept in the same building.

A precious temple of Potala palace, Jokhang, is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2000. It is the primary destination for Pilgrims from surrounding Tibet. Situated in central Lhasa, Jokhang temple covers six acre area.

Jokhang temple consists of 647 complexes. The temple was built in Tang Dynasty as per the request of Princess Burikuti to King Songstem Gampo. Originally, the complex included eight shrines only. The constructions then grows bigger as the results of multiple constructions during renovations. Some big repairs happened during the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty, and the Qing Dynasty.

Jokhang Temple

Previously, the site where Jokhang temple exists was a lake. The reason behind constructing a temple on top of the lake was because of many failed attempts in several other areas. the temple kept collapsing. The myth said that Princess Bhrikuti then asked Wen Cheng for advise. She then explained to Princess Bhrikuti that the geography of Tibet is like a hag, with the lake at the center. A perfect site for monastery would be on top of the lake. in order to do so, Wen Cheng tols to level the lake by filling it with the help of 1,000 goats to carry soil from far mountain. That is why it is called as Ra-Sa-Vphrul-Snang. Ra means goat, and Sa means Tibetan earth. Later, the place is well known as Lhasa, the Holy city.

Jokhang Temple

The beauty of Jokhang temple is built of four storey timber covered with golden on top. The architecture is a mixture of Tang Dynasty, Tibet, and Nepal style. The square of the temple consists of two steles. One is a symbol of the relationship between the Tibet King and the Tang Emperor; while the other is a place containing educational portrayal of how to avoid and treat smallpox.

To add the charm, rows of flicking lights in the eastern section along the yard lead the way to the main hall. The hall is the oldest shrine, more than 1,300 years old, of the structure. One precious treasure of Jokhang Temple is the Statue of Sakyamuni (age 12).

For tourists who are in search of a vacation place that has a great value of history, Tombs of the early Tibetan Kings would be the perfect one. It is something different from other travel destinations because it doesn’t only provide a joy of travelling but also a benefit of experiencing and learning ancient history.

Tombs of the early Tibetan Kings are the graveyard of Tibetan Kings ruling from 7^th to 9^th century. The site is located high up on Mure Mountain. In 3 square kilometers, it consists of nine massive mausoleums that stand as a symbol of great history of ancient Tibet. The earthen structures, square shape, flat-high are variable in sizes. The massive tombs were high up, square shape, and flat tops. Thousand years later, the figures have changed into round, flat on the top and even eroded due to weather and wind.

Tombs of the early Tibetan kings

Some Tibetan Kings who occupy the tombs are Manshongman Tomb, Songtsen Gampo, Hedezhuzhan Tomb, Tride Songsten, Trisong Detsen, and Lang Darma. The most popular mausoleum is of Songtsen Gambo. It consists of nine chambers. One of them is used as Buddhist hall. A unique thing in this hall is the coral lamp that never runs out of light, placed in the centre of the hall. The story says that the corner of Songtsen Gambo’s tomb was used to keep treasure. The king’s phenomenal achievement was to unite the Tibetan tribes and joining hands of Tibetan and Han people. He was the one who made Lhasa as the capital. Therefore, the city was chosen to be his tomb. Other two main tombs are of Dusong Mangbujie and Chide Songzan.

Tombs of the early Tibetan kings

The tomb is surrounded by an outstanding environment. Open ground all around, rich soil, fantastic landscapes are adding the beauty of the Tombs. It is as well popular for its moderate weather. Its outstanding location is incomparable. Right on a plateau it stands.  During sunset is an excellent time to enjoy a stunning natural sight of the site.

Situated around Barkhor Street is the charming Changqu nunnery. As the only nunnery in Lhasa, Cangqu nunnery is an excellent place for nuns and local girls to learn about Buddhism. This nunnery has delivered famous influential Buddhist figures. One of them is Samding Dojepamo Deqenquzhen.

The place is relatively small. It consists of 2 areas. One is for ceremonial activities while the other is for daily activities. Even so, a humble and terrific nunnery I would say. For the place that is so neatly ordered, and for the kind smiles in every nuns’ face. Almost 100 nuns are staying there at present. Cangqu nunnery is known as public nunnery. Chants and prayers are recited every morning. The largest chants are held monthly.

Canggu Nunnery

The significant feature of Cangqu nunnery is its underground cave with a statue of Srongtsen Gampo. The well known Buddhist is believed to have been using the cave for meditation and studies. No wonder that since hundred years ago, many pilgrims from Tibet comes to pray here. 3 nuns come everyday for chanting prayers and taking care of the cave.

Cangqu nunnery shall be proud that it can manage to handle the funds on its own. It doesn’t depend on the state for maintenance and living. Instead, the nunnery even has started some entities that successfully raise some funds for the nuns as well as nunnery’s maintenance.

Not only that, Cangqu nunnery runs clinic as well. The clinic is handled by medical professionals assisted by nuns who pose some medical knowledge. It has served the locals for years.

Visiting cangqu nunnery shall not be complete without having a sip of ‘Qia A Mao’ tea. It is a special tea made of milk, black tea, and sugar. Another treat here is Tibetan noodles and steamed buns made by nuns. The tea house is run by the nunnery. It is located in the road with its own small garden inside. Many visitors passing from Barkhor Street will spend a little time to rest in the tea house and do some prayers in the nunnery.

Sera Monastery is an outstanding Monastery of Tatipu Hill in Lhasa city. The name ‘sera’ is derived from Tibetan language which means ‘wild rose’. The story has it that when the monastery was built, the back hill of monastery was full of bloomed roses. That is why it is called so.

Sera Monastery

The great Sera monastery is 28 acres big. Its three main parts are Kamcum (dormitory), Coqen Hall, and Zhacang College. What makes the three buildings special is the artistic value in it. From fine statues, unparalleled murals, scriptures made of gold powder, up to scent cloth are significant values of these consructions. Sera is distinctive, compared from other monasteries for it is the place where debates regarding Buddhist doctrines is held.

The dormitories, Kamcun, are the place where the monks dine and rest. Kamcun has a total thirty three dormitories of different sizes surrounding a central yard. The division of Kamcun is based on the monks’ original place.

Coqen Hall is the main assembly hall in Sera monastery. Various religious rituals are held here. The hall has 125 pillars that dispersed in 0.5 acre area. Five chapels in the hall are as salute for Maitreya, Sakyamuni, Tsong Khapa, Arhats, and Kwan-yin. Not only that, the greatest possession of Sera monastery is the Gangyur of Tripitaka that reach 105 volumes out of 108 original volumes. The priceless holy books were a gift by a Ming Dinasty Emperor, Chengzu.

Sera Monastery

Zhacang College is the main destination for the monks who want to learn about Buddhist classis. The college is divided into three, Je zhacang, Ngaba zhacang, and Me zhacang. The smallest as well as the newest one is Ngaba zhacang is preserved as prayer site for Jamchen Choey, the founder. The oldest one, Me zhacang now functions as preserved fresco.

The best time to visit Sera monastery is during the Sera Bengqin festival. It is a religious festival of transferring blessings of Buddha to the monks. The festival is leaded by Dalai Lama. The festival takes place on December 27, Tibetan calendar. It comes around the month of February, Gregorian calendar. Another time is around Shoton festival which comes on August. During the festivals, a great opportunity is open for locals and tourist to worship Buddha.

It is high, it is amazing, it is heaven, and it is Potala Palace. Standing beautifully in the central of Lhasa, Potala palace is one ancient palace reaching the sky for its extreme height 12,359 ft. Potala is a Sanskrit word that means “Abode of Buddha Avalokitesvara”. The name is actually inspired by a holy hill in South India.

Not only the name, but the structure of Potala palace is as well beautiful. It is divided into 2 parts, the Red palace in center and the White palace in both wings.

Potala Palace

Potrang Marpo, another name of the Red palace is located in the highest center of the palace. As the name, Red palace is painted fully red as representation of power and stateliness. It functions as a place for prayers and religious study. Apart from that, the Red palace has several halls, libraries, and chapels that are connected by galleries and passages. The biggest hall is Great West Hall surrounded by three chapels. The hall is painted beautifully with murals throughout the inner walls. After that, the Saint’s chapel and the Dharma cave are two constructions left from 7^th century.

Potala Palace

The White Palace, known as Potrang Karpo, is considered as symbol of peace and quiet. Once, the palace functions as office of local government of Tibet also as a residential for Dalai Lama. Located in the 4^th floor of the White palace is the Great East Hall. It is reserved for special purpose such as religious events and political functions. Up in the 5^th and 6^th floors are residential and offices of politicians. While the top one, 7^th floor, is dwelling of Dalai Lama. It consists of two, the West Chamber of Sunshine and the East Chamber of Sunshine due to plenty of sunshine.

As a tourism place, Potala Palace values more than refreshment. It is a treasure. Over 300 years, the Palace has been carrying cultures and traditional arts such as stupas, rare sutras, murals, and statues.

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Another historic water town in China is Xitang. It is located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City. In the past, the town was an important place around the boundary of the Yue and Wu states.

Fantastic place of Xitang makes everyone amazed. Be it the locals or tourists, they are struck with amazement and admiration of the place. Alike a fairyland, Xitang water town is a quiet and natural place with dazzling clear blue water running alongside. Dauntless bridges, shiny sunset, and glittering lights in the evening draws an outstanding picture of life.

Xitang Water Town

Xitang is filled with buildings of Ming and Qing Dinasty with great artistic value. The most notable features of the buildings are covered corridors, bridges, and lanes.

The covered corridor along Xitang water town may be the one and only fascinating of the whole Yangtze river. Hence, it distinguishes Xitang from the other water towns in China. Stands in a row, over 1,000 meters long covered corridors are indeed attractive. One part of the corridor is carved beautifully with decorative artistic patterns. Leaving an elegant mark that result in visitors’ praise.These corridors are not just for display. They are as well being shelter to hide from the sun and rain. The other side of the covered corridor that is alongside the river is meant for the visitors passing by as a resting place. Live up the memory of living in the past by walking along the Xitang covered corridors.

Xitang Water Town

The bridges are the heart of Xitang water town. They are inseparable. Not only because they connect each part of the town, but it is beautifully made in such a way that it forms an artistic value. Talks regarding the bridges are still spreading among the locals, that the creation is definitely a masterpiece.

After Bridges and covered corridor, one significant symbol of Xitang water town is lanes. All can be found here. The lanes used to be the main connectors of the town in the past. It is unique. Wherever you start, the lanes shall deliver you to any place in the town just like a rope.

Fushi, the original name of Tongli water town, is a historic water township located on the east of Taihu Lake. The place is just 18 kilometers away from Suzhou city. Being populated by over 33 thousand, Tongli has been very well preserved as a beautiful water town. The place is just right to enjoy a marvelous holiday while experiencing the traditional culture.

Tongli Water Town

Tongli water town exists beautifully. There are seven islands surrounded by five lakes and fifteen rivers connected by forty nine bridges. Each bridge that delivers into different parts of Tongli town has its own unique name. The names are inspired by the natural living of the locals. Most well known are Ternate bridges that consist of Taiping bridge (means Peance and Tranquility), Changqing bridge (means Lasting Celebration), and Jili bridge (means Luck). For the inhabitants, Ternate bridges are not just distinctive tourism bridges. It is more of a fortune symbol. Walking by the bridges is believed to welcome good luck during birthday and wedding parties. Another two notable bridges in Tongli are Siben, the oldest one, and Dubu, the smallest one (5 feet long). Tongli bridges stand strong and still as silent witness of the town’s historical memory.

Tongli Water Town

Tongli town holds the reputation as Museum of Ancient Architectures. Most of the ancient residential houses and temples are built with a great architectural design. Some significant features of Tongli housing are carved windows, clay bricks, porcelain furniture, flying eaves decorations, dapper gardens, and small stairs directs to the water. The architecture and decoration of houses are put perfectly alongside the river.

Most outstanding attracton in Tongli is Tuisi Garden. Tuisi means Retreat and Reflection. The garden is divided into two parts. West part of the garden is the residential area that consists of an inner and outer house, a tea hall, a reception hall, and two buildings for actual living. The garden is located in the east part. It is beautifully built with ponds, waterside pavilions, marble baths, verandas, bridges, and rockeries. Completed with greenery of trees and colorful flowers, the view is so much inviting.

Yangtze River tourism is not complete without visiting Wuzhen water town. Situated in the south of Yangtze River, it is surrounded by six ancient towns place in north of Tongxiang. Built in 19^th century, Wuzhen is well known for its two thousand years history packed in its beautiful water views, floating bridges, and wood carvings. Strong cultural background is also one of many, that make it a distinctive tourism place. No big talking, Wuzhen is indeed a beautiful place. It is recognized as Provincial Ancient Town of History and Culture in 1991. The achievement means a first rank of six ancient towns located in the south of Yangtze river.

Wuzhen Water Town

The authentic atmosphere of traditional living is very strong. Wuzhen has successfully preserved its original township’s features. The town is neat and unique. Its 2 kilometers area is divided into six districts. Traditional Local-Styled Dwelling Houses District, Traditional Workshops District, Traditional Culture District, Traditional Shops and Stores District, Traditional Food and Beverage District, and Water Townships Customs and Life District. Especially in Traditional Workshops District, visitors are offered to see the makings of traditional crafts, printed fabrics, old-fashioned cloth shoes, and tobacco-planing.

A trip around Wuzhen water town shall be beautifully ended by having a cup of tea. A perfect place for it is Fanglu of Pavilion. The pavilion is considered as the best teahouse in the town. Aroma of the tea of Fanglu Pavilion combine with a fantastic view of Guanqian Streets is a complete refreshment to make the visitors’ day.

wuzhen Water Town

One more amazing attraction in Wuzhen is bridge in bridge. Tongji Bridge lies from east to west crossing Renji Bridge that runs from south to north. The unique thing is that either of Tongji and Renji bridges can be seen through the end of the other. That is why it is called so.

The most popular water village of China, Zhouzhuang Water Town is situated in the southeast of Suzhou city and of Kunshan’s southwest. The place is very famous of its cultural heritage, well preserved historical and natural environment, beautiful water views, and the humble innocent locality. No wonder it is called as the ‘Venice of China’, a must try trip in a ‘gondola-alike’ boat will leave breathtaking moments of every sight.

Zhouzhuang Water Town

Surrounded by lakes and rivers, Zhouzhuang offers distinctive scenery. Twin Bridges, consist of Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge, are well known as the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Not less famous is Fu’an Bridge, a bridge that functions more than a bridge. Inside the bridge towers, we can find restaurants, tearooms, and even stores. It is definitely a perfect place for resting while enjoying the charm of Zhouzhuang. Another attraction not to be missed in Zhouzhuang is Shen’s Hall of residence. The house is completely built in Ming’s style. The whole property occupies more than half an acre consisting of more than 100 rooms. What a house! I must say.

Zhouzhuang Water Town

As the oldest water town in china, Zhouzhouang has its immortal charm. Salute to the efforts for preserving the water town very nicely. Even though so many tourists have been visiting every day, the place looks so authentic, natural and elegant. Walking by the road comes the feeling of living in China past. It is just slightly untouched by modernity. It is a refreshing treat from an ancient village. To get the complete fascination, early visit is advised. For so much of crowd around lunch time and weekends, to keep the memory of this endless charm of Zhouzhuang, some local products is available for collections. Stone teapot, silk, and paintings are most wanted. Also, pork leg and local beer are not to be missed.