People wait in line to receive blessing from the Panchen Lama (3rd left).

Worshippers walked towards the Panchen Lama with their hands clasped and heads down, allowing the lama to perform the ritual.

"I am 71 years old. I was afraid that I would never meet the lama in person. Today, it is like a dream coming true for me," said Tobygye, who arrived at the site early in the morning.

The Panchen Lama previously visited the Tibet's regional capital of Lhasa in July, during which time he visited the revered Jokhang Temple, paid homage to Buddha statues and led a prayer service. He also visited the Tibet Buddhist Theological Institute, Tibetan homes and welfare institutions to meet with monks, common Tibetans and people with special needs, such as senior citizens and orphans.

In 1995, at the age of six, the 11th Panchen Lama was chosen as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Erdeni in Jokhang through the traditional method of drawing lots from a golden urn.

He is now vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.