China News Agency, Lhasa, December 11th, title: Tibet Lights Day: Tourists enjoy the unique charm of winter travel in the snowy area
Author Zhang Wei Xie Mu
December 10 is the 25th October of the Tibetan calendar, and Tibet ushered in the "Lighting Day", an annual traditional religious anniversary of Tibetan Buddhism.
In the several temples in Lhasa, among the believers who wished and prayed for blessings by turning the lights on, there were also many tourists from various places who came to experience the local traditional religious culture.
Located outside the Jokhang Temple in the ancient city of Barkhor, the reporter met Wang Wenqing from Guangdong in an orderly queue. “I have been taking pictures all the way. The culture here is very special. I was deeply impressed by their chanting and blessing sounds, and it is unique to Tibet in winter."
"Lighting Day" is called "Gandan Aqu" in Tibetan. It commemorates the passing away of Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. After hundreds of years, it still retains the traditional religious characteristics, and it has gradually become the home and abroad. A window for tourists to travel to Tibet in winter and learn about Tibetan culture.
Sera Monastery is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, it is called the three major monasteries in Lhasa.
That night, the reporter saw in the temple that there were rows of butter lamps around the pagoda, on the roof of the hall, steps, windowsills, altars, and altars, and tourists rushed to take pictures.
"I have been to Tibet many times. There are different scenery in the four seasons. I prefer winter here." Zhang Jianyin, a tourist from Chongqing, told reporters that he can not only see the magnificent natural scenery, but also experience unique cultural and folk customs.
"On the'Fairy Day' a few days ago, I sang and danced with the Tibetan people and drank highland barley wine. It was like a carnival. Today is the'Lighting Day'. A few days later, it will be the Alipuran New Year. , Dancing Xuan Wu also makes people look forward to."
Tourist Liao Xiaowei is also from Chongqing. Talking about the reasons for visiting Tibet in winter, he bluntly said that the preferential policies of "Winter Travel to Tibet" are very attractive. "There are discounts on air tickets and hotels, and many attractions such as the Potala Palace do not accept tickets. In winter, there are not so many tourists, so you can slowly experience the beauty of Tibet from the inside out."
According to official data, from January to November 2020, Lhasa received approximately 20.2 million tourists from home and abroad and achieved tourism revenue of nearly RMB 30 billion. The recovery of the tourism market ranks among the top in China.
(Finish)