Lhasa Attractions
Lhasa (Tibetan 5 ''Place of the Gods'') is also known by the name ''City of Sun'', because it is situated high on the Tibetan plateau, the ''Roof of the World'', which is very well favored by the sun. Lhasa lies on the banks of the river of the same name (Lasahe; Kyichu) in the south of Tibet.
Lhasa's airport lies 120km/75mi outside the city.
Lhasa's history begins with Tibet's first king, Songtsen Gampo, (ruled 620-649), who moved here and had a fortress erected where later the Potala Palace stood. Since then, the town has been the main political and religious center of Tibet, a position heavily fought over with Shigatse. The foundation of the town coincided with the birth of Tibetan Buddhism. After becoming Songtsen Gambo's third wife, the Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti, a Buddhist, founded Jokhang, the oldest temple in town. The importance of this building and of Buddhism further increased, when the Chinese Princess Wen Chang came to the court as Songtsen's fourth wife. Under the great reformer, Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), the Drepung Monastery outside Lhasa became the main seat of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism), and here, too, the institution of the Dalai Lama began. Lhasa kept its historic appearance until the military intervention of Chinese troops in 1959 who forced the 14th Dalai Lama to flee. Apart from a few places such as the Potala Palace and the last remaining parts of the old town around the Jokhang, the town today resembles any other provincial Chinese town.
Lhasa's airport lies 120km/75mi outside the city.
Lhasa's history begins with Tibet's first king, Songtsen Gampo, (ruled 620-649), who moved here and had a fortress erected where later the Potala Palace stood. Since then, the town has been the main political and religious center of Tibet, a position heavily fought over with Shigatse. The foundation of the town coincided with the birth of Tibetan Buddhism. After becoming Songtsen Gambo's third wife, the Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti, a Buddhist, founded Jokhang, the oldest temple in town. The importance of this building and of Buddhism further increased, when the Chinese Princess Wen Chang came to the court as Songtsen's fourth wife. Under the great reformer, Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), the Drepung Monastery outside Lhasa became the main seat of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism), and here, too, the institution of the Dalai Lama began. Lhasa kept its historic appearance until the military intervention of Chinese troops in 1959 who forced the 14th Dalai Lama to flee. Apart from a few places such as the Potala Palace and the last remaining parts of the old town around the Jokhang, the town today resembles any other provincial Chinese town.
Jewel Gardens
These gardens, situated 4km/2.5mi away on the western edge of the city, are the most frequented park in Lhasa. It is part of the Dalai Lama's summer residence, construction of which began in the 1840s, although the buildings to be found there today date for the most part from 1954-56.
The 360,000sq.m/90acres of parkland encompass everything from grand palaces and every possible kind of pavilion to pergola and small lakes.
The 360,000sq.m/90acres of parkland encompass everything from grand palaces and every possible kind of pavilion to pergola and small lakes.
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Potala Palace
The famous Potala Palace was the political center of Tibet and residence of the Dalai Lama. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Temple of Tsuglagkhang (Jokhang)
The Temple of Tsuglagkhang is the oldest of the temples in Tibet. The figure of the 12 year old Buhdda Shakyamuni is among the main highlights.
Ramoche Temple
Another important religious building is the Ramoche Temple, built in the 7th C. After being devastated on several occasions, it was finally renovated in the 1980s.
Lhasa Surroundings
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Drepung Monastery
The Drepung Monastery is the largest monastery in Tibet. It can house as many as 8,000 monks.
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery, 5km/3mi to the north of Lhasa, was founded in 1419 by Lamaists as a monks' dwelling-place. The monastery contains a Tibetan copy of the Tripitaka from the 15th C and a portrait embroidered on silk from the Ming period (1368-1644).
