Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent palace complex in Lhasa, Tibet, renowned for its white and red walls, golden roofs, and extensive art collections.
Currency
CNY (¥)
Best time to visit
April to October
Languages
Tibetan · Chinese
Coordinates
29.650°, 91.132°
Key facts
1The palace has over 1,000 rooms and covers an area of over 130,000 square meters
2It contains many precious historical artifacts and religious items, including the burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas
3The palace's name comes from the hill it was built on, which was known as the 'Red Hill' (Potala in Tibetan)
Timeline
641: First Potala Palace built by King Songtsen Gampo
1645: Fifth Dalai Lama began construction of the current Potala Palace
1959: 14th Dalai Lama fled to India, marking the end of the palace's use as a residence
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Where to stay
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Take home
artfrom CNY 500
Thangka Paintings
Intricately designed Buddhist religious paintings, often depicting deities or mandalas, reflecting Lhasa's rich cultural heritage.
📍 Barkhor Street Market
jewelleryfrom CNY 1,000
Tibetan Silver Jewellery
Crafted with intricate patterns and often adorned with coral, turquoise, or pearls, these pieces are a symbol of Tibetan wealth and status.
📍 Norbulingka Palace Market
textilefrom CNY 2,000
Tibetan Carpets
Hand-knotted with intricate designs, these carpets are a traditional Tibetan art form that can take months to complete.
📍 Changzhu Street Market
foodfrom CNY 10
Tibetan Butter Tea
A traditional beverage made from tea, butter, and salt, often served in Lhasa's teahouses and monasteries.
📍 Local teahouses around Potala Palace
Famous restaurants
🌅 Morning2
☀️ Afternoon2
🌙 Evening2
$ · Bakery · Cafe⭐ 4.2
Lhasa Old Town Bakery
Famous for its traditional Tibetan bread and pastries since 1985.
Old Town, Lhasa
🔔 Walk-ins OK
$$ · Cafe · Tibetan⭐ 4.5
Tashi's Cafe
Iconic cafe offering panoramic views of Potala Palace.
Barkhor Street, Lhasa
☎ +86 891 6332222
🔔 Recommended
$$ · Tibetan · Chinese⭐ 4.1
Dongtibet Restaurant
Historic restaurant serving Tibetan and Chinese cuisine since 1988.
Donggar Street, Lhasa
☎ +86 891 6331122
🔔 Recommended
$$ · Tibetan · Buddhist⭐ 4.3
Lama Temple Restaurant
Restaurant within the historic Lama Temple, offering vegetarian Tibetan cuisine.
Lama Temple, Lhasa
☎ +86 891 6339999
🔔 Walk-ins OK
$$ · Tibetan · Asian⭐ 4.4
Tibet Kitchen
Popular restaurant serving a variety of Tibetan dishes in a traditional setting.
Beijing East Road, Lhasa
☎ +86 891 6338888
🔔 Recommended
$$$ · Tibetan · Steakhouse⭐ 4.6
Yak Restaurant
Upscale restaurant known for its Tibetan-style grilled meats and stunning views.