The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, was impressed by the historical traditions and modern construction of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province during a recent trip to the region.

During his visit from Jan. 7 to 13, the 11th Panchen Lama, who is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, paid homage to revolutionary martyrs at a monument hall, leaving a note in Tibetan that read, "Heroes' flesh and blood constitute today's happy life."

The Panchen Lama praised an exhibition showcasing evidence of Japanese troops' criminal behaviors during the country's intrusion in China, saying it allows both Chinese people and the world to remember the past.

He stressed that China's development is good for world peace and will help to create a harmonious world.

While visiting Daqing, a major oil field, he expressed his respect for Wang Jinxi (1923-1970), a model worker in the region widely known as the "Iron Man."

"People from all 56 ethnic groups have a common ideal to build up our country. We should make more contributions to the country by carrying on the 'Iron Man' spirit," the Panchen Lama told a local oil drilling team.

Marveling at the region's rich resources, solid industrial foundation and high level of urbanization, he praised the region as a spiritual hometown that will inspire all Chinese people to help construct a "beautiful China."

The Panchen Lama also promised to carry on the patriotic and religious traditions handed down from his predecessors to make contributions to ethnic unity and the country's prosperity.