Potala Palace (Budala Gong) [Lasa]

Known around the world as the a spiritual heart of Tibet and home to the long line of Dalai Lamas, Tibet’s spiritual leaders, the Potala Palace sits in all its white magnificent glory atop Red Hill overlooking the city of Lhasa. The name of the sacred building complex is a derivation from Sanskrit Potalaka, which is the mythical mountain abode of Avalokitesvara, one of the Bodhisattvas (Buddhist saints). In this connection Lhasa is popularly referred to as Second Mount Potalaka.

At an elevation of more than 3,700m, the Potala Palace occupies an area of more than 360,000 square meters. Its 13-story main section rises 117 meters. The whole complex, consisting of halls, stupa-tomb halls (where the relics and remains of the Dalai Lamas are preserved), shrines, prayer rooms, monks’ dormitories and courtyards, is recognized as the world’s highest and largest castle palace. Built against the terraced slope of the hill, the structures combine to form an imposing sky-scraping complex, reminiscent of the divine realm above the mortal world. The granite walls elaborately decorated with soft white thatch, the golden roofs and rouge curtains and banners, combine to create a unique structural wonder bearing the striking colors of red, white and yellow characteristic of Tibetan architectural art, making the Potala Palace an eminent example of constructive technology traditionally Tibetan.

As a major national cultural monument the Potala Palace falls under special protection of the government of the People’s Republic of china

Remark
Hours:9:00am-12:30am,3:00pm-6:00pm
Tel :0086-891-6838093