Lhasa Attractions

Lhasa (means "Holy Place" in Tibetan language) is the capital, political, economic and cultural center and transportation hub of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is also a world-known cultural center for Tibetan Buddhism with over 1,300 years history.

With a sunshine for more than 3,000 hours a year, Lhasa is also known as a "Sunshine City". Over the years, Lhasa attracts travelers from all over the world with its long history, splendid culture, folklore, and amazing highland landscape.

The area in and around Lhasa is dotted with numerous attrations: Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, the "Three Pillars of the State"- Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Gaindain Monastery.. Barkhor Street Remains ancient Lhasa's original look and lifestyle, where all sorts of arts and crafts are available for the souvenir hunters. The Newly opened Garsingag Road is a new shopping and recreational destination for local residents.

Potala Palace, Lhasa

Potala Palace is located on the slopes of the Dmarpori Hill in downtown Lhasa, covering an area of 41 hectares. It was first built during 7th century under the reign of Songtsan Gambo. Potala Palace is consisted of the White Palace and the Red Palace, and owns 1,000 rooms all together. It is where the Dalai Lamas live and work. The centerpiece of the Potala is an imposing wood-masonry 13-floor structure with 117m in height, 400m long (from east to west), 350m wide(from north to south). Within this "holy edifice of the plateau" are a myriad of Buddhist statures, murals, religious scriptures, and treasures. As a precious legacy of Tibetan culture, Potala Palace is under due state protection as a national cultural site and a UNESCO endorsed world cultural heritage site.

Jokhang Monastery, Lhasa

Jokhang Monastery is Tibet's earliest wood-masonry structure dedicated in 647 to a full length stature of Sakyamuni as a 12- year-old boy. It is also in the possession of a collection of cultural relics dating back to the Tang Dynasty, including statures of Songtsan Gambo and Princess Wencheng. Tang architectural elements are palpable in the main hall, a resplendent four-floor building facing west under a gilded rooftop. The walls in the halls are corridors are decorated with mural illustrating the deeds to historical and mythological figures.