Facts and Data
Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1994
Size of heritage: 61 ha
- Buffer zone: 199 ha
Coordinates:
Longitude: 91,117°
Latitude: 29,658°
Summary
The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The complex, comprising the White and Red Palaces with their ancillary buildings, is built on Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley, at an altitude of 3,700m. Also founded in the 7th century, the Jokhang Temple Monastery is an exceptional Buddhist religious complex. Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace, constructed in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Tibetan art. The beauty and originality of the architecture of these three sites, their rich ornamentation and harmonious integration in a striking landscape, add to their historic and religious interest.
Location on Map
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Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
The Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and has been a focal point of religious and political power in Tibet for centuries.
History
The Potala Palace was originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, as a fortress to protect the region from invasions. However, it was during the 17th century that the palace was expanded and transformed into the grand structure we see today. The Fifth Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso, ordered the construction of the present-day Potala Palace, which served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the seat of the Tibetan government.
Over the centuries, the Potala Palace witnessed the rise and fall of Tibetan dynasties, political struggles, and religious ceremonies. It became the center of Tibetan Buddhism and housed numerous sacred relics, manuscripts, and artworks. The palace also served as a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world.
Architecture
The Potala Palace is an architectural marvel, perched on the Red Hill in Lhasa, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It is a massive structure consisting of the White Palace and the Red Palace, with over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and countless precious artifacts. The White Palace served as the administrative center, while the Red Palace housed the sacred religious chambers.
The palace is built using traditional Tibetan architectural techniques, blending elements of Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Indian styles. The exterior is adorned with intricate murals, colorful frescoes, and gold-plated roofs, reflecting the rich Tibetan artistic heritage. The interior is equally impressive, with lavishly decorated halls, chapels, and prayer rooms.
Current State
The Potala Palace continues to be a significant religious and cultural site, attracting thousands of visitors each year. However, due to its fragile structure and the increasing number of tourists, the Chinese government has implemented strict regulations to preserve the palace. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside each day, and certain areas are off-limits to protect the delicate artworks and relics.
Efforts are also being made to ensure the preservation of the Potala Palace. Restoration projects have been undertaken to repair damages caused by natural disasters and aging. The Chinese government, in collaboration with UNESCO, is working towards the conservation and maintenance of this iconic site.
The Potala Palace is not only a testament to Tibetan history and culture but also a symbol of religious devotion and architectural brilliance. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list recognizes its universal value and the need to protect and preserve this extraordinary site for future generations.
Hotels and places to stay
Min Shan Tibetan
MIN SHAN JIN SHENG HOTEL
SAI KANG HOTEL POTALA PALACE
Tibet Jingu Hotel
Holy Holiday inn
Lhasa Pingcuokangsang Hostel
Jin Bo Grand Hotel
GreenTree Inn The Potala Palace Express(Domestic guest only)
Jin Jiang Inn Shanghai Plaza
Lasa Shuwang Hotel
Videos from the area
Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet - China Travel Channel
Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet, China http://www.myvideomedia.de English see below [dt.] Vom Dach unseres Hotels in Lhasa hat man einen schönen Ausblick auf den Potala-Palast. Dann liegt der...
Journey to Tibet 2013
Lhasa : La Gran Plaza, Monumento de liberacion del Tibet,
http://www.minube.com/rincon/25183 Panoramica a la gran plaza de Lhasa, en honor a la liberacion del tibet. China.
拉薩布達拉宮 夜景 Potala Palace, Lhasa པོ་ཏ་ལ
Sep 13,2010 夜遊西藏拉薩布達拉宮廣場.
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Paro AirportBigger and popular cities in the wider vicinity are these:
Caina- Changzhug
- Chaqi
- Dagar
- Dongla
- Dopozhang
- Gongbuxue
- Jibenggang
- Karlung
- Konggar
- Layu
- Lhasa
- Naidong
- Nam
- Niu
- Pozhang
- Sozhug
- Xumai
These are some smaller cities that might be interesting. They are all rather close.