Samye Monastery located in Samye Town of Chanang County, Shannan of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, is Tibet’s first monastery. The layout of the monastery is ingenious and unique. With a total area of 25,000 square meters, Samye Monastery, a major historical and cultural site, is one of Tibet's famous tourist attractions.

Photo taken on Dec. 7 shows the main temple of Samye Monastery with Tibetan, Chinese and Indian characteristics. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on Dec. 7 shows the main temple of Samye Monastery with Tibetan, Chinese and Indian characteristics. [Photo/Xinhua]