Gyantze is Tibetan for 'the peak of victory'. It has a history of more than 600 years. Sitting on the friendship Highway, it connects Kathmandu to Lhasa. The natural scenery is quite beautiful: mountains, glaciers, etc.
Gyantze is the place that must be passed by when going to Lhasa from Shigatse. It is warm and wet in the summer season. Gyantze is known as the "Tibet granary" and "hometown of Tibetan carpets".
- Chinese: 江孜 Jiāngzī /jyang dzrr/
- Location: 94 km southeast of Shigatse, 2 hours and 20 minutes drive
- Altitude: 4,000 m (13,000 ft)
- Popular activities: Horse racing, archery
- Must-sees: Palcho Monastery, Pala Manor, Gyantze Dzong
Highlights
These three places are close together. You only need two days to travel the highlights of Gyantze.
Palcho Monastery
Palcho MonasteryPalcho Monastery was built in the early 15th century. It's located in the northeast of Gyantze at an altitude of 3,900 m (12,800 ft). The wall paintings and Buddha statues in the monastery are worth seeing.
Palcho Pagoda makes Palcho Monastery even more attractive. It's not a simple pagoda. There are 9 floors, 77 Buddha halls, 108 doors, and more than 1,000 Buddha statues. It is a unique treasure in Chinese architecture, and a museum containing noteworthy religious paintings and art.
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
- The time needed: 2 hours
- Entry: 60 yuan (10 USD)
Pala Manor
Pala Manor was the main manor of the Pala Family. It is one of the three best-preserved noble manors of old Tibet. By visiting this manner, you can get a view of the lifestyle of the serfs and the wealthy people who once lived in this area.
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- The time needed: 2–3 hours
- Entry: 30 yuan (5 USD)
Gyantze Dzong
Gyantse DzongGyantze Dzong or Gyantze Fortress was the house of government of Gyantze. It looks like a castle. Standing out on a rocky hill in a basin, it is truly eye-catching. This is where the story of "the City of Heroes" originates, as Gyantze people defended their city from invasion from this "castle".
- Opening hours: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
- The time needed: 1 hour
- Entry: 10 yuan (2 USD)
Maps
Gyantze's Location in China
Tibet Autonomous Region Map
This map shows the locations of Tibet's main prefecture-level cities including Gyantze.
Nearby Attraction
Yamdrok Lake is about 100 km from Gyantze. It is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. Yamdrok Lake is the most beautiful landscape in South Tibet.
Recommended Tour
If you are planning a Gyantze tour, please see our most popular Gyantze tour for inspiration.
Or contact us to design a unique tour according to your requirements.