A monk lights butter lamps at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Dec. 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

The 11th Panchen Lama on Monday visited Jokhang Temple, the most revered monastery in Lhasa, starting his activities in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region this year.

The Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, a leader of Tibetan Buddhism, arrived at Jokhang Temple at 5:40 a.m. Monday, greeted by lamas lining up and holding Tibetan incense or Buddhist prayer flags.

The Panchen Lama visited the major halls of the temple, paid homage, and presented hada to the statues of Buddhas.

He then led sutra chanting at the temple, praying for peace, prosperity and stability, before performing a head-touching ritual to bless the lamas.

On Monday afternoon, the Panchen Lama attended a symposium of the delegation to Tibet of the China Committee on Religion and Peace.

The Panchen Lama arrived in Lhasa, the regional capital, on July 31. During his stay in Tibet, the Panchen Lama will attend a series of religious and social activities.

The Panchen Lama is a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body. He is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and president of the association's Tibet branch.