Shalu Monastery, refers to 'new leaves' in Tibetan, is located 20 kilometers southeast of Xigaze. It was first built in 1087. It demonstrates a combination of the Tibet and Han architectural styles. It is famous for its sandalwood slips carved with Buddhist scripture and a jar for filling sacred water. It is said that for years the water does not decrease or deteriorate. The murals in the monastery are rich in contents and excellent in workmanship and are one of the rare fine arts in Tibet. It is one of the most distinctive among a great number of monasteries of the Gelugpa Sect (Yellow Sect).

The Shalu Monastery consists of Shalu Lhakang and four Zhacang. However the four Zhacang have become folk houses, scattered all around Shalu Lhakang. Vibrant wooden and earth statues of Buddha can be found in Shalu Lhakang. It is true that the Shalu Monastery is the only one in Tibet in the style of the Han tradition during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The evidence is the roof of the Shalu Monastery which is covered by green glazed tiles. Building constructed in the distinctive traditions of the Yuan Dynasty are rarely seen in other parts of China.

Xalhulhakang, the main building of the monastery, has an arch-like ceiling, glazed tiles and bells hanging on the roof, a complete imitation of the style of inland temples. Yet it still retains the characteristics of a Tibetan monastery with red mud-and-stone walls and interconnecting halls. It can be considered a perfect combination of Han and Tibetan architectural styles. The murals in the halls are rich and lively with a strong Yuan-dynasty flavor. The images of Buddha are particularly refined and special. Among the relics housed in the monastery are eight precious Yuan-dynasty proclamations of the Pagba time, besides religious implements, Buddhist scriptures on pattra, sacrificial utensils and tangka painting scrolls.

Frescos in the Shalu Monastery have a relatively long history. Most of them depict Buddhist legends. Human characters, animals, and plants in the frescos are all deeply influenced by Indian and Nepalese styles; but they also have important elements of the Song (960-1279) and Yuan dynasties.

China tours inclusive of visiting Shalu Monastery, Shigatse