High on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the Tashilhunpo Monastery is bridging centuries of faith with the contemporary world. Backed by national support and shaped by the tides of change, infrastructure upgrades are adapting the monastery to a new era, while preserving what makes it special. Our reporter Gong Ming has more.
Founded in the mid-15th century, Tashilhunpo is one of the six great Gelugpa monasteries and the historic seat of the Panchen Lamas. It stands as a cornerstone of Tibetan religion, culture, and knowledge. Inside the esoteric college, a clear bell signals the start of scripture recitation. Rows of monks enter the hall, their chants reverberating through centuries-old walls. Later, in the monastery's debate courtyard, monks engage in lively debates, exchanging sharp logic and gestures.
GONG MING, Xigaze, Xizang Autonomous Region "What you're seeing here is one of the most iconic traditions in Tibetan Buddhism. The atmosphere is intense, with monks energetically challenging each other's understanding of Buddhist philosophy."
While these traditions remain, modern comforts have found their way into monastic life. Inside one monk's quarters, the kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances—yet in the corner, an old relic still tells the story of how life here has changed over time.
LOBSANG TENZIN, Monk "We used to cook noodles using this clay stove with charcoal underneath. Now, we just use this stove here."
In his own room, bright and open, one centerpiece stands out—a full electric tea set. As he welcomes us and a friend to sit, he begins preparing tea, showing his collection of assorted tea leaves and sharing his deep passion for tea culture.
LOBSANG TENZIN, Monk "Back in 2010, I went to a tea house with some friends, and that's when I really got into brewing tea. Life in the dorms is a lot easier now—before, we had to boil water outside. After we got running water and electricity, I bought this electric tea brewing set in 2011."
When asked where he learned about tea culture, he pulled out his phone and showed us some online creators he follows. He even records and shares his own tea-making videos from time to time.
THONDRUP TASHI, Monk "Nowadays, our living standards are much better. Besides studying Buddhist teachings, we also learn modern subjects like foreign languages, technology, and the internet."
Right next to the monastery gates stands Tashilhunpo Tibetan Medical Hospital, a vital institution with over 370 years of history. Once a modest clinic, it has undergone significant upgrades in recent years. These improvements have transformed the hospital into a modern facility serving both monks and the local community.
TASHI SANGDRUP, Director, Tashilhunpo Monastery Tibetan Medical Hospital "It used to be a pretty basic clinic with limited equipment. But with policy support, the hospital has expanded its facilities and added many modern, advanced medical devices. Nowadays, monks only pay a small fee for CT scans, but for most treatments, medications, routine check-ups—even their annual physicals—they get free care through the national health insurance."
Over the past decade, Tashilhunpo Monastery has steadily modernized while preserving its heritage. New drainage and fire safety systems, including sprinklers and alarms in every main hall, have greatly improved security. The spacious, well-maintained entrance plaza now welcomes a steady stream of worshippers and visitors from across the globe, all drawn to the monastery's enduring spirit as it embraces the future.
GONG MING, Xigaze, Xizang Autonomous Region "Tradition doesn't stand still—it evolves with the times. Here at the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery, Tibetan Buddhism's core beliefs remain strong, even as daily life modernizes. Livelihoods are improving, and cultural heritage continues to thrive alongside progress. Gong Ming, CGTN, Shigatse, Xizang Autonomous Region."
