Lhasa is one of the most striking and attractive cities in the world. This is not just because of the fact that it stands at a dizzying 3,600 meters above sea level (causing many travellers a dizzy introduction to its delights), but also owing to its various cultural sites gathered over its rich 1,300 year history and the venerable culture of religion that still permeates.

The city of Lhasa is noted for its beautiful landscapes, centuries-old history, unique culture and local customs, as well as its religious flavour and many places of historical interest. Besides the famous Polata Palace, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka, there is also the miraculous and beautiful Namtso Lake as well as the romantic and cosy Yangbajing Hot Spring, to name but a few.

Situated in the downtown area of Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet-- and also the highest city (about 3650 meters above sea level) in the world-- Potala Palace is regarded as the iconic symbol of Tibet, and has long been enmeshed in the collective dreams of many travellers to this mystical region. The palace is 117 meters tall and 4O0 meters wide, and covers a total area of more than 130,000 m^2. The castle-like palace has 13 floors, and more than 1000 rooms, such as the Buddha Hall, Assembly Hall, yard, monk rooms and so on. The palace consists of the White Palace and the Red Palace, which has been the winter palace of successive Dalai Lamas, who live here whilst handling the political and religious affairs of the nation.

The construction of Potala Palace was started in the 7th century under the orders of the then king of Tibet, Songsten Gambo, who ordered the construction of this magnificent palace for his bride, princess Wencheng, who came from Changan, capital of the Tang Dynasty. The spiritual advisor pointed out that the site was the ideal place for building the Potala Palace as the site for local government. Afterwards, it became the winter palace for successive Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace was listed as a UNESCO-endorsed world cultural heritage site since it houses a wealth of Buddhist statues, murals, religious scriptures, treasures and paintings. A visit to the palace is an absolute must for all travellers to the region and they are assured a truly breathtaking cultural experience.

As the number of daily visitors to the palace can now often exceed 1,600, the government has reduced opening hours to prevent damage to the palace and the site. Opening hours have now been limited to just six per day, and, with the opening of the Qingzang Railway to Tibet, Tibet has seen visitor numbers soar. As a result of this, the government has taken further protective measures, including limiting the number of daily visitors to the palace to only 2,300. Even if you need to wait an extra day or two in order to visit this wonderful icon, you will certainly consider it time well spent just to gaze on this mystical treasure.