Potala Palace

Historical Overview

7th Century: The original palace was founded by King Songtsen Gampo to unify Tibet and promote Buddhism.

17th Century: Rebuilt and expanded by the 5th Dalai Lama, becoming the seat of Tibetan government and religious authority.

1959–Present: Preserved as a cultural monument after Tibet’s democratic reform, opening to tourists in 1994.

2000s: Underwent extensive restoration to protect its murals, statues, and manuscripts from environmental damage.

Structural Layout

The palace is divided into the White Palace (administrative and residential quarters) and the Red Palace (religious chapels and tombs of Dalai Lamas).

White Palace: Features the Dalai Lamas’ living quarters, assembly halls, and administrative offices.

Red Palace: Home to 10,000+ Buddhist statues, 200,000+ scriptures, and the tombs of 8 Dalai Lamas, including the 5th and 13th Dalai Lamas’ golden mausoleums.

Major Attractions

Great West Hall: A 1,500-square-meter space housing the 15-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, adorned with gold, jewels, and silk.

Chapels of the Dalai Lamas: Intricate murals depicting Tibetan history, mythology, and the life of Buddha.

Library: Houses rare manuscripts like the Kangyur (Buddhist canons) and Tengyur (commentaries), written in gold and silver ink.

Staircase of 1,080 Steps: A challenging climb leading to the palace’s summit, offering panoramic views of Lhasa.

Cultural Significance

Religious Hub: The Potala Palace remains a pilgrimage site for Tibetans and a center for Buddhist rituals, including the annual Monlam Prayer Festival.

Political Symbol: Served as the winter residence of Dalai Lamas until the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959.

Artistic Treasure: Its murals, sculptures, and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings) are masterpieces of Tibetan art.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 Hours)White Palace: Assembly Hall → Dalai Lamas’ Quarters → Great West Hall.

Red Palace: Golden Tombs → Chapels of Buddha → Library.

Highlights: Maitreya Buddha statue, Dalai Lama mausoleums, and historic murals.

Cultural Depth Route (4–5 Hours)White Palace: Administrative Rooms → Pilgrim’s Corridor.

Red Palace: Detailed exploration of chapels, scriptures, and art.

Highlights: Tibetan history murals, rare manuscripts, and spiritual ambiance.

All-Day Exploration (Full Day)Morning: White Palace → Red Palace → Staircase Climb.

Afternoon: Jokhang Temple (nearby) → Barkhor Street (pilgrimage circuit).

Evening: Attend a Buddhist chanting session (if available).

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official Tibet Tourism website or WeChat (up to 7 days in advance).

On-Site: ¥200 (peak season: May–October); ¥100 (off-season: November–April).

Free Admission: Children under 1.2m, monks, and seniors over 70.

Guided Tours: ¥300–500 (2-hour English/Chinese tours recommended for deeper insights).

Transportation

By Air: Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (1-hour drive to the palace).

By Train: Take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa Station (30-minute taxi ride).

By Taxi: Direct to “Bùdálāgōng” in Lhasa.

Parking: Limited spots near the palace; public transport is advised.

Best Time & Tips

Avoid Crowds: Peak Hours: 10 AM–1 PM (weekends/holidays).Best Times: 8 AM opening or after 3 PM (weekdays).

Quietest Days: Weekdays (the palace is closed on Mondays for maintenance).

Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer clear skies and mild temperatures.

Essentials:Acclimatize: Spend 2–3 days in Lhasa before visiting to avoid altitude sickness.

Respect Customs: Remove hats and sunglasses inside chapels; avoid touching relics.

Photography**: Allowed (no flash); tripods prohibited.

Prohibited Items**: Selfie sticks, large bags, and liquids over 100ml.