Sera Monastery reopens to tourists

One of the biggest monasteries in Lhasa, the Sera Monastery, has reopened to tourists. Visitors can again experience the religious and cultural atmosphere in the popular scenic spot. As Wang Mangmang explains, the number of visitors is expected to rise... as the peak season approaches.

The religious site has always been a must-see for tourists to Lhasa. But for over a month, no visitors were allowed at Sera Monastery due to security reasons. The reopening has been long-awaited and today's visitors feel lucky they were there to see it.

Tourist Zhang Jian said, "I think this is a good start. Tibet not only has magnificent natural scenarios, but also splendid history. So it is a pity if people cannot visit monasteries to experience traditions. Sera Monastery is now open again, and I hope other major monasteries will soon resume tourism."

There are currently 500 monks at Sera Monastery. Religious practices have resumed as the site begins receiving visitors again.

A monk of Sera Monastery said, "Now I'm happy to see more people praying there."

Despite no visitors for over a month, local tourism authorities are confident that the number will rise.

Dainzin Namgyae,general secretary og Commission of Ethnic & Religious Affairs, said, "The peak season is approaching. Sera Monastery has always been an attractive destination for religious people and tourists. So I believe the number of visitors will be just as much as in previous years."

Sera, in Tibetan, means "Wild Rose Garden" since opulent wild rose woods once grew around it.

"The Sera Monastery is the first to reopen to tourists after major monasteries in Lhasa closed for over a month following the unrest. There are very few visitors here today, but more are expected to come as peak season approaches. The reopen is a sign of recovering tourism before the May holiday, which is only two days away.