The Kubum Monastery, situated in the western part of Gyantse, was built in the 15th century. Encircled by mountains on three sides--east, west, and north--it is particularly unique in that its three sects of Buddhism--Shaja, Ningma, and Guolu--live harmoniously under one roof. Of note is a hall of arhats made during the Ming Dynasty; the arhats are so vivid that they look very much alive.

Next to the monastery is the nine-story 10,000 Buddha Pagoda. It is 32 meters high. There are 108 doors, 77 Buddhist chambers, and countless shrines, primarily the 10,000 statues of Buddha. The most doors are decorated with relief sculptures of flying dragons, running lions, and walking elephants. The pagoda is a masterpiece of a Nepalese, Tibetan, and Chinese joint effort.