The 13th Panchen Lama, one who is officially recognised by the Chinese government, sits and chats with other delegates in the Great Hall of the People ahead of the opening of the first session of the...

The empty niche in the Bamiyan cliff which was once the site of the 35 metre 'Small' Buddha which was destroyed by the Taliban.

Young people playing football in front of the site of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, cliffs where the huge Buddha statues stood until being destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

Burnt out butter (oil) lamps and marigold petals after a ceremony at a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Golden dragon decoration outside a hotel.

A sign to remind pilgrims about social distancing at a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Offerings ready for a ceremony at a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Small statues with marigold offering at a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Small golden statue with marigold offering at a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Small statues with marigold offerings at a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

A pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Bhodi tree ( Ficus religiosa ) is said to be a descendant of the orignal tree where the Buddha received Enlightenment.

Buddhist monks and other visitors at a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

The niche of the Small Buddha, where once the Buddha's face would have been before the destruction by the Taliban in 2001.

The niche of the Small Buddha, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

Pimk lotus flowers left as offerings at a Buddhist pilgrimage site said to be where Buddha sat under the bodhi tree and received enlightenment.