Location: Shigatse, also named Xigatse, means 'the fertile land'. It sits in the plain at the confluence of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu Rivers, where Tibet's most fertile land is to be found. Shigatse is of great importance for its location in this area. It is 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) away from the world's highest peak Mount Everest, 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) away from the Sakya Monastery and also on the only path to Tibet's holy lakes. Thus it is quite an important base for people heading for those places.
Population: 720,000
Area: 182,000 square kilometers (about 70,270 square miles)
Nationalities: Tibetan
Administrative Division: 1 municipal district (Sangzhuzi), 17 counties (Jiangzi, Bailang, Lazi, Sagya,Gangba, Dingjie, Dingri, Nyalam, Kangma, Yadong, Buren, Nanmulin, Xietongmen, Jilong, Angren, Saga, Zhongba), 1 border (Zhangmu)
The city has a history going back more than 600 years and it is this ancient holy city that is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the spiritual leaders in Tibet. The city is also the cultural, economic and political center of Tibet.
As one of the world's highest cities with beautiful high plateau scenery, the area is also a hot spot for Chinese tourism. Its long history gives this city a strong cultural heritage, especially in respect of Buddhism. The approximately 600 year-old majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery has a magnificent architectural style with a golden roof and resplendent buildings. Dozens of monasteries belonging to different sects enhance the atmosphere of Buddhism. Various grand festivals like Buddha Unveiling Festival in the monasteries each year give people a chance to admire the huge portraits of three Buddhas.