Tibet Attractions

Potala Palace

The vast Potala Palace stands on a clifftop above Lhasa, considered the greatest achievement of Tibetan architecture. The palace was originally built in the 7th century by the then emperor for his bride. It was later partially destroyed by lightning, but restored and extended in 1645 by the Fifth Dalai Lama when he became political and religious leader of Tibet. The Fifth Dalai Lama took up residence in the palace in 1653, and it remained the Dalai Lamas' official residence until the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959. The palace is renowned for its interior splendour. It consists of two main sections: The White Palace is the secular section containing offices, dormitories, a Buddhist seminary and printing house. The Red Palace is the ornate sacred sanctuary containing chapels where mummified remains of three Dalai Lamas lay, and the Great West Hall, with its fine rich murals.

Address: Moburi (Red) Mountain, Lhasa; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm; Admission: ¥100