Potala Palace
From ChinaTravelGuide
Southwest China (西南) » Tibet (西藏) » Lhasa (拉萨) » Potala Palace (布达拉宫)Potala Palace (布达拉宫) | |
| Address: | Red Hill of Lhasa, Lhasa, Tibet |
| Price Range: | RMB 100 (Nov. 1 - Apr. 30) ~ RMB 200 (May 1 - Oct. 31) |
| Hours: | 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM |
| Tourist Rating: |  |
Tourist Reviews (0) | ||
| Be the first to write a review for this attraction. | ||
| >> write a review |
[edit] Photos
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
[edit] Videos
| Video:VideoComingSoon_2.flv width=300 | Video:VideoComingSoon_3.flv width=300 |
[edit] Description
Potala Palace (布达拉宫) was originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in 637 to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China. It was later rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1645 after being destroyed by war. The Thirteenth Dalai Lama repaired and extended it to the present size of more than 130,000 sq meters (about 32 acres).
The structure is located on the Red Hill, measuring 360 meters (1,180 ft) from east to west and 270 meters (885 ft) from south to north. The palace is 3,700 meters above sea level, and is 117 meters (384 ft) of height with 13 stories.
Considered a model of Tibetan architecture, Potala Palace is a grand stone-and-wood structure. The complex mainly consists of the White Palace and Red Palace (See photo. Red one at the top and a white one below it). The White Palace, referred as Administerial Building, served as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The Red Palace, referred as Religious Building, consisting of chapels, shrines and prayer halls, is for religious purposes. It also houses the eight stupa tombs that contain the remains of fifth through thirteenth Dalai Lama. The palace also houses a large number of sculptures, murals, scripture and other valuable cultural relics.
Reserve two hours for this place, one hour for climb up and down the steps to and from the palace, and one hour for tour inside the building. Also prepare for lots of walks up and down many stairs inside the building as the palace is 13 stories high.
[edit] Direction
...
[edit] Practical Tips
- Reserve the ticket in advance as Potala Palace has a daily limit of 2300 tourists.
- Follow the rules. No smoking in the halls; no photos without permission; walk clockwise around the complex per local custom.
- Climb up from the bottom of the hill slowly as the building is on the top of the hill. Also remember to take a coat as the place is usually chilly.
[edit] Activities
...
[edit] Events
...
[edit] Other Local Attractions
- Jokhang Temple (大昭寺) (distance 1)
- Sera Monastery (色拉寺) (distance 2)
- Norbulingka Palace (罗布林卡宫殿) (distance 3)
- Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) (3 miles from the western suburb of Lhasa)
[edit] Hotels
[edit] Restaurants
- Restaurant #1 (distance 1)
- Restaurant #2 (distance 2)
- Restaurant #3 (distance 3)
[edit] Bars
[edit] Movie Theaters
- Movie Theater #1 (distance 1)
- Movie Theater #2 (distance 2)
