An aerial photo captures the beauty of the Rutok Temple in Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region. /CFP

An aerial photo captures the beauty of the Rutok Temple in Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region. /CFP

Originally built on an islet in the middle of Xizang's Yamdrok Lake in the 14th century, Rutok Temple is widely regarded as one of the loneliest temples in the world. /CFP

Originally built on an islet in the middle of Xizang's Yamdrok Lake in the 14th century, Rutok Temple is widely regarded as one of the loneliest temples in the world. /CFP

The Rutok Temple in Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. /CFP

The Rutok Temple in Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. /CFP

A bird's-eye view of the Rutok Temple in Shannan city, Xizang Autonomous Region /CFP

A bird's-eye view of the Rutok Temple in Shannan city, Xizang Autonomous Region /CFP

Originally built on an islet in the middle of Xizang's Yamdrok Lake in the 14th century, Rutok Temple is widely regarded as one of the loneliest temples in the world. /CFP

Originally built on an islet in the middle of Xizang's Yamdrok Lake in the 14th century, Rutok Temple is widely regarded as one of the loneliest temples in the world. /CFP

With a history dating back over 600 years, the Rutok Temple sitting on an islet in the sacred Yamdrok Lake in Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region in southwest China is famed as one of the loneliest temples in the world. "Rutok" means "the stone on the mountain" in the Tibetan language. Surrounded by the azure lake waters and mountains at an altitude of 4,500 meters for contrast, the temple presents itself as a hidden gem of this isolated spot.