Xietongmen County

Introducing Xetongmen County

Xietongmen County, meaning "delight at first sight" in Tibetan, is located northwest of Shigatse City, on the north bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava smiled with satisfaction upon visiting the area, hence its name. Xietongmen County, with its terrain rising in the north and falling in the south, is a typical semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral county. The county seat is 83 kilometers from Shigatse City.

Tibetan opera has a long history in Xetongmen County. Amateur Tibetan opera troupes have been spontaneously organized by the local people in towns like Renqinze, Kaga, Danada, Rongma, Tongmen, and Tading, performing on major Buddhist festivals. Xetongmen County also boasts a wide variety of folk dances, including the Geng dance, the Zhuo dance, the Xieqing dance, the Dui Xie dance, and the Guo Xie dance.

Among all the Tibetan opera troupes in Tongmen County, the Bon Tibetan opera performed at Rijia Temple in Shutating Township stands out. Built in 1245, Rijia Temple is one of the early birthplaces of Yungdrung Bon. Yungdrung Bon has a rich cultural heritage spanning millennia. Among the major Yungdrung Bon clans, the Xin family has the longest history, spanning 3,950 years. Yungdrung Bon culture, through its cultural heritage, embodies the unique characteristics of the Xin family.

Climate and best time to travel

Xietongmen County holds the Xiexiong Cultural Tourism Festival in mid-August every year.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Kaga Hot Spring

Located 2.5 kilometers from the county seat, the spring boasts a constant temperature of over 63 degrees Celsius year-round. It is understood that successive Panchen Lamas, starting with the Fourth Panchen Lama, have bathed here. Historical records indicate that the Ninth and Tenth Panchen Lamas had their own dedicated bathing pools here, and annually held the largest prayer ceremony in the area, held in Kaga Village, where the hot spring is located, offering blessings through touching heads. The spring area still retains a dedicated bathing pool built for the Fifth Panchen Lama, Panchen Erdeni Choegyi Gyaltsen.

Chazang Temple

Located at the southern foot of Chazang Mountain in Qiaka Township, at an altitude of 4,050 meters, this temple was founded by Gongchen Zhaba Zangbu in the mid-15th century and belongs to the Gelugpa sect. The main buildings consist of a main hall, a shrine, and monks' quarters. The temple houses gilded bronze statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, the Three Buddhas, Tara, Hayagriva, and Vajrapani, as well as vivid and exquisite clay sculptures of the Goddess of Good Fortune, the Six-Armed Protector, and the God of Wealth.

Recommended play time: 1 day

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Most Popular FAQs for Xietongmen County

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Xietongmen County is an important region in Tibet, known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, breathtaking landscapes, and its role in Tibetan history. The county houses several monasteries and sacred places that reflect the spiritual heritage of the Tibetan people.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Xietongmen County is located in the Shigatse region of Tibet. It can be reached by car or bus from Shigatse city, which is well-connected by road. There are no metro or taxi services available directly in the county, so private transportation or guided tours are the most practical options for visitors.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The best time to visit Xietongmen County is during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is milder. While the region is open year-round, visiting in winter can be challenging due to harsh weather conditions. No specific opening hours apply as the county is primarily an outdoor destination.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There are no major entrance fees for visiting Xietongmen County itself. However, certain monasteries and temples may charge a small fee for entry. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and online booking is typically not required for the county or its attractions.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for the general visit to Xietongmen County. However, if planning to visit specific monasteries or attend special tours, booking a few days in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to Xietongmen County generally requires 1-2 days to fully explore, depending on your interest in hiking, photography, and visiting local cultural sites. A longer stay allows for more in-depth exploration of Tibetan culture and landscapes.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The various monasteries, where you can witness Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies and architecture.
• Scenic viewpoints along hiking trails, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
• Local Tibetan villages, where visitors can experience traditional ways of life.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Xietongmen County, typically in Mandarin and English, but they may need to be arranged in advance. Local guides can provide insights into the region's cultural and historical significance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The top of mountain trails offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• The monasteries provide excellent photo opportunities, particularly with the backdrop of traditional Tibetan architecture.
• Rural landscapes, including Tibetan farms and villages, are great for capturing local life and nature.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the local monasteries in the morning, followed by a scenic hike in the afternoon. If time allows, take a detour to local villages for a deeper cultural experience. Make sure to allow time for photography at various scenic spots along the way.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not common in Xietongmen County, as the area is more focused on natural beauty and cultural exploration during daylight hours. However, special tours can be arranged, particularly for photography or cultural immersion.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Xietongmen County is not overly crowded, but it can see a significant number of visitors during peak tourist seasons (April to October). Weekdays, especially outside of school holidays, tend to be less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities, including toilets, water stations, and small rest areas, are available near key attractions. There are no large shops or restaurants within Xietongmen County, but small local eateries and vendors offer basic food options.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The region is not highly accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain and lack of infrastructure. Children can explore with supervision, but some of the hiking trails may be challenging for young children.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is commonly used in Xietongmen County, although mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are increasingly accepted in some areas. Cards are not widely accepted, so it's best to carry cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are small local Tibetan restaurants and cafes that serve traditional dishes, such as momo (dumplings), tsampa (roasted barley flour), and yak meat. Most of these are located near the monasteries and local villages.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are widely available in Tibetan cuisine, with dishes made from barley, potatoes, and vegetables. Vegan options may be more limited, but vegetarian dishes can be customized. Halal food options are scarce, as Tibetan cuisine is predominantly influenced by Buddhist practices.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are basic guesthouses and small hotels in the nearby town of Shigatse, offering simple accommodations. For more comfort, visitors may prefer staying in larger hotels in Shigatse city, which is about 1-2 hours away by car.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, offers the Tashilhunpo Monastery and historical sites.
• The Sakya Monastery is located nearby and is known for its ancient Tibetan architecture.
• Mount Everest Base Camp, although further away, is a major attraction that can be included in a longer Tibet tour.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops can be found in local villages and in Shigatse. Typical souvenirs include Tibetan jewelry, prayer beads, Tibetan carpets, and religious artifacts like small Buddha statues and thangka paintings.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Private taxis or shared vehicles are common for traveling around the region.
• Buses and taxis are available for longer trips to Shigatse and other nearby regions.
• For travelers heading further into Tibet, local flights and trains to Lhasa can be arranged from Shigatse.