The best place to enjoy Samye Monastery's ingenious layout, a mini version of the Buddhist concept of the universe, is on the top floor of its grandiose and central Wuzi Hall.

It is also a good spot to watch as the 1,200-year-old building is rejuvenated with a facelift.

Situated by the Yarlung Zangbo River, in Shannan prefecture, Samye Monastery is highly respected by Tibetans, most of whom are devoutly Buddhist.