"Without any doubt the most interesting sight to see in Gyantse was the Chorten, or pagoda of 100,000 images. This building, which was part of the monastery complex, and built between 1389 - 1442, was of a most innovative design; consisting of 70 interlocking chapels that spiraled up its 9 levels. In each chapel, or chorten, which were receptacles for worship, there were richly decorated statues, frescoes and artifacts. I found it a most fascinating place, though I got the feeling from the chapels I was able to see, that this 'meditational aid to enlightenment' (as I heard it described), had been contrived by the ruling lamas to work by putting fear into the ignorant populace. In some of the lower chapels there were the most fearsome array of demons and monsters.
 
Only a small part remains now of this monastery, compared with what must have been here when it was lived in by over 3,000 monks. During the cultural revolution of the 60's the Chinese ransacked the place and destroyed many of the buildings. I am glad to say what has survived I found well restored and contained pleanty of interest." - MH