Tashilhunpo monastery: located on the south slope of the Nyimari hill in west of the Shigatse town,it is founded in 1447 by the first Dalai lama,Gendun Drupa(the 8th disciple of the Tsongkapa),which is known as one of the six major monasteries of the Gelupa sect and a largest monastery in the Tsang area, the monastery covers area of 300.000 sq.m ,which is once lived 5000monks before democratic reform ,from second Dalai Lama was move basic of residence to lhasa Drepung monastery,The monastery was expandedand renovated by the 4^th ,5^th ,6^th Panchen Lama,thereafter the Tashilunpo monastery stands at an impressive scale today and becomes the residence for Penchen Lama .The highlight of the monastery is the statue of Maitreya Buddha made of copper with 22.4meters high,which looks graceful and dignified in appearance,it is considered to be the highest statue in the world.