A giant Amitabha Buddha Thangka was unveiled at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, drawing pilgrims and tourists for a three-day sacred ceremony.
On July 9, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Xizang, began a three-day Buddha Thangka unveiling ceremony. The event opened with the display of a massive Thangka of Amitabha Buddha, measuring 40 meters in height and 38 meters in width.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Amitabha Buddha is considered the “Past Buddha”. The giant Thangka, unrolled on a hillside near the monastery, drew thousands of pilgrims and visitors who came to pay homage and witness the sacred moment.
Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It also serves as the residence of successive Panchen Lamas, making it a key religious and cultural site in Xizang.
In addition, according to the Xizang Autonomous Region’s Department of Culture and Tourism, the region welcomed 4.72 million domestic and international visitors in the first quarter of 2025, representing an 11.67% year-over-year increase. Of these, 20,900 were international tourists—up 25.9%. Domestic tourists numbered 4.698 million, up 11.61%. Total tourism revenue reached 4.275 billion yuan, marking an 11.06% rise.
Cultural and religious events like the Thangka unveiling play an important role in promoting Xizang’s spiritual heritage while supporting the region’s growing tourism sector.
If you liked this article why not read: Spring Awakens in Lhasa: Blossoms & Heritage
