[2025 Shannan Attraction] Travel Guide for Tradruk Temple (Updated May)

In Tibet, there lies a land favored by time, known as Shannan. This is the cradle of Tibetan culture, where mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas are etched with the textures of millennia-old history, and every breath of air is filled with a mysterious and enchanting aura. Stepping into Shannan is like stepping into a transcendental wonderland. The Yarlung Tsangpo River surges through, its waters roaring, serving as the artery of the earth, nourishing this ancient land. The canyons on both sides, sculpted by time, display breathtaking magnificence, with the lines on the cliffs narrating nature's legends. Yamdrok Lake resembles a dreamy blue ribbon, nestled among the mountains. Its waters, with the changing light, present a rich tapestry of blues – azure, light blue, deep blue – creating a picturesque scene that captivates every traveler who sets eyes upon it. The golden roof of Samye Monastery shimmers with a sacred glow under the sunlight. As the first monastery in Tibet where monks were ordained, it carries a profound religious and cultural significance. Stepping into the monastery, the lingering incense and murmuring Buddhist chants instantly bring tranquility and purification to the soul. Here, history and faith intertwine, and every Buddha statue and mural seems to whisper stories of the past. Then there's Yumbu Lakhang, the first palace in Tibetan history, standing majestically on a mountaintop, overlooking the Yarlung River Valley. It has witnessed the rise and fall of the Tubo Dynasty. Amidst the crumbling walls, one can still sense the former glory and solemnity. The winds and sands of time have not obscured its brilliance but have instead added a touch of age and mystery. Shannan is a visual feast, a pilgrimage for the soul, and an unforgettable journey. Come here to converse with the mountains and rivers, embrace history, and discover your truest self.

Attractions - Yamdrok Lake: One of the three holy lakes in Tibet, its waters are as blue as a sapphire. The winding shoreline complements the distant snow-capped mountains. Tickets cost CNY 60. Opening hours are 9:30 am–6:30 pm. - Yumbulagang: The first palace in Tibetan history, this building is magnificent. Inside, statues of many historical figures are enshrined. Tickets cost CNY 30. Opening hours are 9:00 am–6:00 pm. - Samye Monastery: The first monastery in Tibet, it combines Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian architectural styles. The murals inside are exquisite, and the monastery has a rich history and culture. - Changzhug Monastery: The first Buddhist temple in Tibet, it was once the "winter palace" of Princess Wencheng and Songtsän Gampo. The temple's most treasured possession is a pearl thangka embroidered by Princess Wencheng herself. - Kula Kangri: The largest glacier in central Tibet, the snow-capped mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. The scenery is magnificent, making it a paradise for photographers and mountaineers. - Lebu Valley: Located in the border area, this valley has abundant vegetation and clear streams. It's like a paradise on earth. In April, the azaleas bloom all over the mountains, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. - Zhegu Grassland: Known as a "paradise for wild animals", this grassland is home to herds of yaks and wild donkeys roaming freely. Zhegu Lake is nestled within the grassland, creating a picturesque landscape. - Shannan Museum: The exhibition areas are divided into Shannan History Exhibition, Tibetan Traditional Art Exhibition, Shannan Folk Customs Exhibition, and Tibetan Literature and Archives Exhibition. Here, you can gain an in-depth understanding of Tibetan culture and history. Food Recommendations - Tibetan Hot Pot: Made with yak meat, vegetables, mushrooms, and other ingredients, this hot pot simmers in rich butter tea, creating a delicious flavor. - Barley Wine: A local specialty, this wine has a unique aroma and a slightly intoxicating taste, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local life. - Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour. It is often eaten with butter tea. This simple dish is full of energy. Accommodation Recommendations - Luxury: Hilton Garden Inn Shannan is located on the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and offers diffuse oxygen supply intelligent services. - Upscale: Shannan Railway Station Yajiang Tianjie Atour Hotel offers a 24-hour library and diffuse oxygen supply. The Fuyue Hotel boasts a superior geographical environment and comprehensive facilities. - Budget-friendly: Super 8 Select (Lhasa Gonggar International Airport), Borrman Hotel (Lhasa Gonggar Airport), and Hanting Hotel (Lhasa Gonggar Airport) all provide airport transfer services, which is convenient for travelers with connecting flights.

Changzhu Temple has a long history and profound cultural heritage. Transportation: You can take public transportation or a chartered car. Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours. Main attractions: • The pearl thangka, the treasure of the temple, is exquisitely crafted and amazing. • The ancient architecture integrates various styles such as Tibetan and Han, which is unique. • There are many Buddha statues in the temple, solemn and solemn, and you can feel the strong religious atmosphere. Precautions: • Respect religious beliefs and customs, and do not make loud noises. • Dress appropriately when entering the temple, and do not expose too much. • You can ask a tour guide to explain and better understand the history and cultural connotation of Changzhu Temple. Here, you can appreciate the mysterious charm of Tibetan Buddhism and feel the unique charm of ancient culture.

A vacation, escaping the sweaty summer, encountering the magnificent glaciers and lakes, where to go❓ Fingers slide to Tibet, no severe altitude sickness, no overcrowding, want extreme scenery, want a suitable temperature. Go to Naidong❗️ Go to Naidong❗️ Go to Naidong❗️ South of Tibet, the seat of Shannan city government, the city that Wuhan supports in Tibet. A 4-hour flight, an altitude of 3560 meters, the current highest temperature is 24℃, the lowest temperature is 13℃. Naidong District·Shannan Here is the 'Yarlung Zangbo Snow Mountain' which is said to be one of the nine divine mountains where the world was formed Here is the summer palace 'Yongbulakang' of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng Here is the 'Changzhu Monastery' with the world's only pearl Thangka Speaking of Naidong, compared to the popular Lhasa and Nyingchi, you might be a little unfamiliar. The habitable Yarlung Valley has given birth to Tibet's first barley field, the first Zanpu (the Tibetan title for 'king'), and the first palace in Tibet. A friend who has been supporting Naidong for many years told me that Naidong is actually quite similar to Wuhan, it is the river city of the Tibetan Plateau. 💕 The transportation here is convenient. The Shannan railway station in Naidong 🚆 is built in the shape of Yongbulakang. In 2021, with the opening of the Lalin Railway, this high-altitude train station has become a check-in spot for countless pilgrims. 🚧 The Fuxinghao C882🚞 enters the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, departing from Lhasa, passing through Shannan, heading to Nyingchi. From Shannan railway station to Lhasa, 1 hour and 4 minutes, hard seat 37 yuan. To Nyingchi 2 hours and 30 minutes, hard seat 92 yuan. A little-known fact, Lhasa Gonggar Airport is not in Lhasa, it's in Shannan, 97 kilometers away from Naidong, a 1-hour drive. Crossing mountains and rivers, seeing oneself, that's the meaning of travel. But all of these are not as important as setting off👀💪📸

The only place in the world where the Pearl Thangka exists. In the hinterland of Tibet, Shannan City, Changzhu Temple stands quietly. This place is the source of the soul of the Tibetan compatriots and the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism. Changzhu Temple is not conspicuous, just by the Yarlung River, only a few kilometers away from Shannan City, like a small world independent of the world. This temple is the earliest recorded Buddhist hall in Tibetan history. Although its scale and momentum are not as good as the Potala Palace, and its status is not as good as the three major temples in Lhasa, it has an irreplaceable status in the hearts of Tibetans. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng once proposed to build twelve temples, and Changzhu Temple was one of them, and it was the first one, built to suppress the left shoulder. It faces east and west, and the hall under the revolving corridor is illuminated by the flickering light of butter lamps, illuminating the devout worshippers. The biggest highlight of Changzhu Temple is undoubtedly the Pearl Thangka on the second floor. This Thangka has a history of more than 700 years and is made up of more than 20,000 pearls. The picture of White Tara is lifelike. The addition of red and blue gems, turquoise and gold makes the entire Thangka shine under the light of the butter lamp, which is breathtaking. Different from the common image of White Tara, the White Tara here appears more friendly and leisurely. What is most amazing is that her eyes seem to contain stars, and no matter where you look from, you seem to be deeply attracted by her gaze. In addition, the Wheel of Time Altar City enshrined in the center of the first floor of Changzhu Temple is also quite spectacular. The main deity enshrined in the main hall of the temple, Cochin Grand Hall, is the Buddha of the Three Worlds. In the Qugilakang on the left and the Togilakang on the right, the double-hole tiger stove and brown pottery pot used by Princess Wencheng are still enshrined. Legend has it that as long as you touch the pottery pot, you can make delicious food. The basic scale of Changzhu Temple today began in the 14th century. In terms of transportation, tourists can take a bus or train from Lhasa to Naidong District, Shannan City, and then take the No. 2 bus directly to Changzhu Temple. The fare is only 2 yuan. The ticket is 40 yuan per person, and there are no other additional costs. As for food and accommodation, Changzhu Temple is not far from Naidong District. Tourists can choose to stay in Shannan City, where there are many Sichuan restaurants and Tibetan restaurants to choose from.