Cities

navlist.gif (330 bytes) Lhasa

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A city of southwest China, the capital of Xizang (Tibet). Because of its remoteness and exclusivity as the center of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa was long closed to foreign visitors and known as "the Forbidden City." Population, 105,897.

c_lhasa.jpg (8364 bytes)Lake Yamdrok (jade)
The beautiful Lake Yamdrok (jade) is located at the south of Lhasa. It has an area of 800 square km with a height of 4,400 meter above the sea level. According to folklore, it is the mirage of a heavenly girl.  The only female tulku/incarnate lama/Living Buddha of Tibet is the Abbot of the Sam-ding Temple (White Hat) nearby.

Potala Palace
Built in the 7th century, the Potala palace is a renowned complex of Chinese Palatial architecture and a crystallization of classical Tibetan architecture, and it deserves its Position as part and parcel of the world's cultural heritage. Potala Palace was built by King Srong-tsan-gam-po and Princess Wen-Cheng in the Seventh Century.

It spreads across an area of 410,000 square meters. Beginning from the fifth Dalai Lama, the Potala has been a venue for major religious and political ceremonies. It is the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas. The original palace was largely destroyed in the medieval era. This fabulous palace consisted of two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. It is like the `Mona Lisa' who always looks toward you at all angles.

 
Jokhang Monastery
The Jokhang Monastery, built in the year 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. It is said that the plans of the monastery were drawn by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. The inscribed tablets as well as the willow trees planted by Princess Wencheng in the year 823 in front of the monastery are historical evidence of the union of the Han and Tibetan peoples over the centuries.

Norpulingkha
The Norpulingkha ("garden of treasures") is situated in the western suburbs of Lhasa. It has served as the summer palace for Dalai Lamas.

Barkhor Street
The traditional lifestyle and appearance of Lhasa's Old City district are well preserved in Barkhor Street. Pilgrims turn their prayer-wheels on the street, and visitors can get everything Tibetan they could hope for.


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