The Tashilhunpo Monastery was built in 1447 and was traditionally home to the Panchen Lama.

It miraculously escaped much of the Cultural Revolution-era destruction, so it's a refreshing sight for reconstruction-sore eyes.

Tashilhunpo is large enough to seem like a small walled town, and there's plenty to see. Highlights include massive collections of jewels and gold Buddha statues, the Assembly Hall and its colorful unfurled thangkas, and the shrines and thrones of each of the Panchen Lamas, many of whom are buried on site. Due to the controversy revolving around the Panchen Lama, neither the Gyancain Norbu (recognized and appointed by the Chinese government) nor Gedhun Choekyi Nyima (identified and recognized by the Dalai Lama) live here today, but there are a few hundred resident monks.