The Potala Palace, one of the most famous architectural works of the world, is Lhasa's cardinal landmark. It will be a magical moment at your first sight of the Potala that you will remember for a long time.

The construction of the world famous Potala Palace was started in the 7th century during the time of the Tubo King Srontsan Gampo. On the top of Mt. Putup, it is looming over the whole Lhasa city. As high as 110m, the Potala Palace consists of two palaces - the Red Palace and the White Place. With over 1000 rooms, the 1 storeyed palace covers an area of 10,000 square metres. It witnessed the life of the Dalai Lamas and the important political and religious events in the past centuries. There are grand palaces within palaces. The palace stands up so high that it resembles a magnificent castle in the heaven. It makes itself a good example of the ancient Tibetan culture and architecture. The statues of the Tubo King Srongtsan gamoi and his wife Princess Wen Cheng are being worshipped in the Palace. Among the 8 tomb pagodas of the Dalai Lamas, the 5th tomb is the most extravagant. It stands as high as 14m and used 11,000 ounces of gold in its gold plating, and the designs and decorations on them all are inlaid with diamonds, peals, turquoises, agates, corals etc. There also stored the world treasure - the gold hand-written Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from the Chinese emperors and a lot of priceless antiques. You will be amazed by the colorful sculptures and paintings. The top most flat glistens with golden roofs. The Potala Palace deserves the title of art gallery and museum. It is a symbol of the wisdom and power of the Tibetan people.

It can be very easily combined with an afternoon excursion to some of the sights nearby,such as Drubthub Nunnery and Palha Lu-puk,Parma Ri,Chagpo Ri,Lukhang Temple,or a circuit of the Potala kora,if you pay a morning visit to the Potala.

In 1994, the Potala Palace was declared the United Nations World Cultural Heritage site.

Address: On the Putup (Red) Mountain, the northern part of Lhasa city, Tibet.
Opening time: 9:30am - 15:00 before 1st of May, 9:00am - 15:30 after 1st of May.
Admission fee: 100 RMB per person

Tips: During peak season(July and August) and holidays it's worth purchasing your ticket a day in advance.