Shannan Attractions

 Graveyards of Tibetan Kings
Located in a valley 27 kilometers (16 miles) south of Tsedang, these hill-like tombs are assembled on the southern bank of the Chongye River. According to historical materials, there were 21 tombs in the past but now only 16 of them are visible.

The biggest one is believed to be the tomb of King Songsten Gampo. The tomb is located near the river and faces south, the direction of Sakyamuni's hometown, to show the king's religious adherence to Buddha. A small temple lies on the top of the tomb, dedicating the statues of King Songsten Gampo, his wives and officials It is said that the tomb is composed of five chapels. Many treasures were found in the tomb, such as sculptures of King Songsten Gampo, Sakyamuni and Chenrezi; the golden armor which the king wore in the battles; golden warriors and horses and so on.

Besides, the stone monument discovered in 1984 is the best preserved Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) monument in Tibet. It is decorated by images of dragons, snakes, sun and moon and flying Apsaras in Tang style and all of them are vivid and concise. Fortunately, none of these tombs have been destroyed providing archeologists with intact and comprehensive data to research the Tubo Kingdom.

 Yamdrok Yumtso Lake

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is considered to be one of the holy lakes of Tibet together with Lake Namtso and Lake Manasarova. It lies at Nhagartse on the southern bank of the Yarlong Tsangpo River, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Lhasa. Surrounded by Mt. Nyinchenkhasa, Mt. Chetungsu, Mt. Changsamlhamo and Mt Kampala, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is the biggest freshwater lake of Shannan. With an altitude of 4441 meters (14,570 feet) above the sea level, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake ranks among the highest lakes in China. Covering an area of about 630 square kilometers (155,676 acres), the beautiful lake is abundant in fish. Many isles distributed in the lake providing comfotable inhabitancies for various birds species. Grasslands around the lake are also perfect place for feeding livestock. The Sangding Monastery located to the south of the lake is quite special. The only female Living Buddha of Tibet has been in charge of it.

The holy lake is also a destination for the hundreds of pilgrims. Devout believers trek by the lake  every year.

 Yumbu Lakhang
 
Yumbu Lakhang, meaning 'the palace on the leg of a female deer', stands on the top of a small hill, 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of Tsedang. The castle is believed to be the earliest imperial dwelling in Tibet and the residence for the first Yarlong King, Nyatri Tsenpo. Later it became the summer palace of King Songsten Gampo and Princess Wen Cheng. During the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama, it became a monastery of the Yellow Hat Sect. The sculptures of the Tibetan Kings and their officers are enshrined in a chapel; Sakyamuni and Chenrezi are also worshiped here. Delicate murals on the wall describe the early history of Tibet. The most famous one depicts the first King, the first construction and the first plowland of Tibet. A spring, lying in the gully to the east of Yumbu Lakhang, has never dried up and is believed to have the magic power of curing illnesses. Pilgrims and visitors who want to drink its water can rent a car to get here.

Admission Fee: CNY60
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour

Monasteries in Shannan