The 11th Panchen Lama received warm greetings from the local people when he arrived in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Friday.

At about 1:00 p.m., the Panchen Lama and his attendants arrived at his palace in the city, where he was saluted by government officials, leaders from Buddhism organizations and 200 representatives from all walks of life.

Many senior officials were present, including Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Legqog, chairman of the Standing Committee of the region's People's Congress.

The 11th Panchen Lama was recognized in 1995 by the State Council, through the traditional lot-drawing from a golden urn, as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama.

The 11th Panchen Lama was born on Feb. 13, 1990 in Lhari Countyof Tibet. He ascended the holy throne on Dec. 8, 1995, at Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze, Tibet, the residence of all previous Panchen Lamas.

Source: Xinhua