Princess Wencheng

Princess Wencheng is the most beloved queen in Tibetan history. A beautiful and intelligent woman, she brought the Tibetans many of the scientific and agricultural advances of the Tang dynasty and is also credited with the introduction of Buddhism into the region. Born the daughter of a courtier, Wencheng became royal only later in life. Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty needed to find a bride for King Songtsen Gampo, the new ruler of the Tubo Kingdom (Tibet), and smart and pretty Wencheng seemed an ideal match. She was conferred the title of princess and sent west.

In AD 641, she set out from Chang’an, capital of the Tang dynasty, accompanied by envoys from both sides where they met King Songtsen Gampo in Baihai (Qinghai province). The delighted king ordered the construction of a nuptial palace by the Zhaling and E-ling lakes. They were married and honeymooned in the mountain valleys further towards Tibet.

On their way to Tibet, Princess Wencheng taught the locals how to cultivate vegetables, grind wheat flour and distill wine. Grateful villagers carved her footprints into rocks and by the early 8th century, a temple was constructed in her honor in Yushu.

When she finally arrived in Tibet, she was surprised to find Buddhism hadn’t yet reached her husband’s kingdom. She set about introducing the religion, and had her husband build the first Potala Palace; it later burned down and was rebuilt in the 17th century.