Potala Palace in Tibet: A sacred temple on the roof of the world, an eternal symbol of Tibetan civilization.
Perched atop Red Hill in Lhasa, the Potala Palace, like a jewel descended from the heavens, stands majestically at an altitude of 3,700 meters on the plateau. This magnificent structure, begun in the 7th century during the reign of Songtsen Gampo, is not only the world's highest and largest palace complex but also a beacon of the Tibetan people's spiritual faith. As dawn breaks, the White Palace's exterior glows with a sacred light; as dusk falls, the Red Palace's golden roof gleams in the afterglow. This palace, with its millennia-long history, continues to tell the world the legendary tales of the Tibetan civilization.
Architectural Wonder: The Perfect Fusion of the White and Red Palaces
The Potala Palace is divided into two main parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace, perfectly blending the essence of Tibetan watchtower architecture and Buddhist monasteries. The White Palace, serving as the winter residence and administrative center for the Dalai Lamas, houses the largest hall, the East Sunlight Hall, which preserves exquisite murals and ritual implements. The Red Palace is a collection of the finest religious architecture, the most awe-inspiring of which is the stupa hall housing the remains of the 5th to 13th Dalai Lamas. The eight stupas used over 110,000 taels of gold and are inlaid with over 100,000 jewels and gemstones. The stupa of the 5th Dalai Lama, in particular, stands 14.85 meters tall and used 3,721 kilograms of gold, making it arguably the "world's finest ornament."
Must-Visit Temples: A Treasure Trove of Art Through a Thousand Years
In the heart of the Red Palace, the Dharma King Cave preserves its original Tubo-era appearance, housing statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and others. The Hall of the Three Realms was where the Dalai Lama received imperial investiture and held important religious ceremonies. The hall houses the longevity tablet of Emperor Kangxi and a portrait of Emperor Qianlong, testifying to the close relationship between the central government and the Tibetan local government. The gold plaque inscribed "Long Live the Emperor!" in the Sasong Langjie Hall is further important material evidence of this history.
Climbing to the top of the golden roofs is the ultimate experience. The seven gilded bronze roofs gleam brilliantly under the high-altitude sun, offering panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, enough to make one forget the discomfort of being on the "Roof of the World." To the west of the Red Palace, the mandala in the stupa of the 13th Dalai Lama is adorned with a necklace of over 200,000 pearls, its exquisite beauty breathtaking.
Cultural Treasures: A Living Museum of Tibetan Buddhism
The Potala Palace houses a vast collection of cultural relics: tens of thousands of thangkas, scriptures, and Buddha statues form a three-dimensional palace of Tibetan Buddhist art. Among them, the Kangyur scripture from the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, the finger bone relic of Shakyamuni Buddha, and the sandalwood Avalokiteshvara statue are considered the palace's most treasured possessions. The murals within the palace stretch for over a kilometer, vividly recording various aspects of Tibetan history, culture, and medicine, making it a veritable "encyclopedia of Tibet."
Complete Guide to Visiting the Potala Palace
Reservations and Visits: The Potala Palace operates under a strict reservation and visitor limit system. Reservations must be made 7 days in advance via the official WeChat mini-program using your real name. Daily visitor capacity is limited to 5,000 people; it is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid peak hours. The tour route is fixed and one-way, involving climbing over 1,000 steps. It is advisable to slow down and allow 3-4 hours for your visit.
Best Season: The best time to visit is from May to October, with July to September offering the highest oxygen levels and most comfortable conditions. While winter is cold, fewer tourists allow for a more serene and solemn experience of the palace.
Special Experiences: Capturing the sunrise over the golden roof from the Chakpori Hill viewing platform in the early morning is a must-do for photography enthusiasts. Every Wednesday afternoon, local believers circumambulate the palace walls; joining in this circumambulation provides a profound experience of the power of faith. At night, the Potala Palace appears even more mysterious under the lights, with the musical fountain in the square and its reflection creating a stunning scene.
Cultural Etiquette: Please wear long pants and long sleeves when visiting; hats and skirts are not permitted. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace. When circumambulating the temple, please proceed clockwise. Maintaining solemnity is the minimum respect you should show to this sacred site.
Standing before the Potala Palace, gazing up at this monument forged with faith, you will understand why it has become an eternal symbol of Tibet. This is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing; everyone who arrives here will find their own spiritual resonance in this sacred temple of the snowy land.