Potala Palace, Lhasa

Potala Palace

(布达拉宫 bù dá lā gōng)

The Potala Palace, located on the Red Hill in the northwest of Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region, displays grand palace-style architecture.

It was originally built by Songtsen Gampo for marrying Princess Bhrikuti, and Princess Wencheng, the niece of the powerful Chinese emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. In the 17th century, the Palace was reconstructed and then became the residence of the Dalai Lamas and the ruling center for politics and religion in Xizang.

The building, with a total area of 410,000 square meters, including 130,000 sq m of floor area, is known as the "holy palace of the plateau". Thirteen stories - containing 999 rooms - soar skywards for 115 meters from the top of Red Hill.

The palace has a collection of countless treasures. In 1961, The Potala Palace was among the first buildings to be included in a national list of key cultural relics conservation units listed by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. In 1994, it was listed as a world cultural heritage. On August 8, 1994, China's largest cultural relic maintenance project - the maintenance of the Potala Palace -- was completed, and the palace began to display its full charms from "the Roof of the World".

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA

Ticket Price: 200 yuan ($31.89)

Opening Hours: 09:00-12:00; 15:30-16:30

Tel: 0891-6824568

Address: No 35 Gongqian Xiang, Middle Beijing Road, Chengguan district, Lhasa

Official Website: http://www.potalapalace.cn/home.html 

Note:

1. The live-action water show is performed from March to November and starts at 20:10. It will be canceled or delayed in special situations.