Shigatse, used to be called Tsang by Tibetan, connects with three countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim in the south, Ngari in the west, Nagqu in the north and Lhasa and Shannan in the east. It occupies an area of 176,000 square kilometers. It is 800 kilometers from east to west and 220 kilometers from north to south, with a border of 1,354 kilometers.

Shigatse Region consists of one city Shigatse, 17 counties of Gyantse, Bainang, Kangma, Yadong, Rinbung, Namling, Xitongmoin, Larze, Sagya, Kamba, Dinggye, Tingri, Nyalam, Gyilung, Ngamring, Saga, Zongba, and Zham port, the largest State trade port in Tibet. 97% of the people living here are Tibetans, the other 3% are Hui, Monggol, Tu, Manchu, Miao and Zhuang nationalities, and also with small amount Sherpas living in and around Zhangmu. The population in Shigatse forms one-fourth of the population in the TAR. Most of the people live in the Yarlung Zangbo River area, and the western pastoral area is sparsely inhabited.

Shigatse is located mostly between the middle of the Himalayas and the middle of the Kangdese-Nyainqentanglha ranges. The southern and northern terrains are high, while the South Tibet Plateau and the Yarlung Zangbo River constitute the low-lying middle area. Formed basically of high mountains, wide valleys, lakes and basins, this land has a varied topography with an average elevation of more than 4,000 meters.

The Himalayas, which stretch across southern Shigatse, is the youngest and highest mountain range in the world, with an average elevation of more than 6,000 meters. In that area, five peaks are more than 8,000 meters high namely, Mount Qomolangma (8,848.13 meters), Mount Lhoze(8,516 meters),Mount Kab(8,463 meters), Mount Qowowuyag (8,201 meters) and Mount Xixabangma (8,012 meters). Mount Qomolangma, located on the border between Shigatse and Nepel, is the world's highest peak, the roof of the world. In addition are 14 peaks that stand more than 7,000 meters above sea level. Besides those mentioned above are high mountains such as Karru La, Gyaco La, Ma La, Zom La, Lhagyi and Mari La. All these mountains are spectacular natural views ideal for sightseeing, exploring and conducting scientific investigations.

The upper southern Tibetan basin along the Yarlung Tsangpo and Nyangchu River is the largest grain production area in Shigatse. It consists of two parts of the densely populated Larze-Rinbung valley and Gyantse-Shigatse plain. Other plains include the Penqoi River valley on the southern Tibet Plateau at the northern foot of the Himalayas and some sparsely scattered small river valleys. These plains sprawl on gentle slopes, with thick soil, temperate climate and plentiful water. With natural conditions suitable for growing crops, they form the major farming areas in Shigatse

Shigatse city, about 250KM southwest of Lhasa, is the second largest city of Tibet and the political, economic and cultural center of Tsang area. As the seat of the Panchen Lamas, Shigatse City was also the sovereign place in Tsang. Palkhor Monastery , Shalu Monastery , Sakya Monastery in and around Shigatse City make the place a land of splendid art and culture based on strong feelings of devotion.

Gyantse County, located in the Nyang-chu Valley, it is regarded as the forth largest city in Tibet. It once was a major center for trade with India, and in 1904 the city became a battlefield when the British Army under Colonel Frances Younghusband attacked the city. Recently Gyantse becomes a very popular spot on the way to Everest. Most of tourists will have a stop to visit the famous Gyantse Kumbum, the largest chorten in Tibet.

Mt. Everest located in Tingri County is the highest mountain in the world. Every year, thousands of tourists and mountaineers from all over the world, come to appreciate and challenge the sacred and awe-inspiring 'Goddess the Third'.

Zhangmu is an important trading port as well as a border town between China and Nepal. Many visitors enter or leave Tibet through this small but busy town.

Although some parts of Shigatse Region are remote and still developing, the abundant cultural relics and majestic natural beauty of the area allure more and more visitors both from home and abroad every year.