The Eleventh Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu has vowed to carry on the fine tradition of loving the motherland and safeguard national and ethnic unity during his visit to northwest China's Shaanxi Province from May 20 to 29.

The Panchen Lama made his tour of historic sites including the well-known Terra-cotta Horses and Warriors of Emperor Qinshihuang, noted Buddhist temples and revolution museums featuring the early experiences of the Communist Party of China in Shaanxi.

In the tour, the Panchen Lama also visited high-tech development zones, including a satellite remote control center and a plane manufacturing company and conducted Buddhist exchanges in local Buddhist temples.

The Panchen Lama said his knowledge of Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) immediately came to his mind when he stepped into Shaanxi, the birthplace of the princess who married Songzan Gambo, then ruler of ancient Tibet in 641.

He said he greatly worshipped what Princess Wencheng had contributed to the ethnic unity of Tang Dynasty.

"We will never forget the people's heroes," the Panchen Lama wrote in Tibetan on a message book after visiting the historic office of the Eight Route Army, the predecessor the People's Liberation Army.

He expressed his determination to study hard and make due contribution to the unity and prosperity of the motherland.

He extended his blessing that Shaanxi would achieve greater social and economic progress in the future and wished good luck to local people.

Source: Xinhua