The Catholic Church in Tibet

We left from Feilai Temple and drove along 214 national highway of Yunnan-Tibet Line which was built along Lanstang River. After turning numerous corners, we stepped into Yanjing County, Changdu Region in Tibet.

Yanjing is not only famous for well salt but also renowned for a special place— Yanjing Catholic Church. In the eyes of most people, Tibetan Buddhism is the only religious belief of Tibetan people. But in this village, the God in their believes is not Sakyamuni in east world, but the western Jesus. It is only Catholic church in Tibet.

Therefore, it aroused my curiosity about its history. It is said that catholicism was introduced into Tibet in 1856 and there were 17 foreign God-fathers from 1865 to 1949. In 1865, two God fathers who are named Deng Deliang and Bill respectively came to Genla Village in Yanjing from Pengka and bought the land from lama Gongge and built the Catholic church.

This is the only church that is built by combing western architectural style with Tibetan characteristic.Except the photos of Jesus and Madonna, there are red lanterns and white Kha-btags in the church, which are harmoniously existing in the church, which, I guess, is one of the charms.