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The Potala Palace is the monumental residence of the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhist. It is named after Mount Potala, believed by Tibetan Buddhists to be the abode of Chenresig, the Tibetan name for the Avalokitesvara. Avalokitesvara is the bodhisattva that embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is referred to as Padmapani, or "Holder of the Lotus". Among the Chinese, the Avalokitesvara is often depicted in female form, and is known (although scholars are still deliberating over this) as the Guan Yin or Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy. Among the Tibetans, the Avalokitesvara is believed to be incarnated in the Dalai Lama. The Potala Palace measures 400 meters from east to west, and 350 meters from north to south. It is held in position by stone walls which are 3 meters thick on average, and 5 meters thick at the base. The complex is sixteen storeys tall, containing over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues. It rises 1000 feet from the valley floor. Brief History of Potala PalaceThe site of the Potala Palace was originally a meditation retreat of King Songtsen Gampo, who built his first palace there in 637. The present Potala Palace was constructed in 1645 by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, Lozang Gyatso, after one of his spiritual advisers, Konchog Chophel pointed out to him that the site is ideal as a seat of government. The Dalai Lama moved into the Potrang Karpo, or White Palace, in 1649, although construction continued until 1694, twelve years after his death. Between 1690 and 1694, the Potrang Marpo, or Red Palace, was added to the complex.The Potala Palace suffered some damage during the Tibetan uprising in 1959, although it escaped being demolished during the Cultural Revolution of 1966 through the personal intervention of Zhou Enlai, premier of the People's Republic. Nevertheless, almost all the 100,000 pieces of Tibetan scriptures and manuscripts were destroyed or damaged or stolen. The Potala Palace was inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1994 under "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa". In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added as extension to the site. To preserve the palace, visitorship is limited to 1600 a day, and opening hours reduced to six hours per day. With the opening of the Qingzang railway to Lhasa, visitorship quota was increased to 2300 a day, a number that is easily reached by mid morning. In the months of July and September, opening hours are extending, allowing up to 6000 visitors per day. Tourist Sights in Potala PalaceThe following are the different sights within the Potala Palace complex.The Potrang Karpo is the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. Though first built in the 17th century, it reaches its present size through the expansion carried out during the reign of the 13th Dalai Lama in the early 20th century. A central courtyard painted yellow, called Deyangshar, separates the White Palace from the Red Palace. The Red Palace is devoted to religious studies and Buddhist prayer. It comprises halls, chapels and libraries on many levels interconnected by galleries and winding passageways. Among the sites within the Red Palace are:
Potala Palace Tourist TipsThe Potala Palace is located in Lhasa, Tibet. The information below pertains to visiting Lhasa.Getting thereNon-Chinese nationals need a special permit to visit Tibet. It is easier to get a group permit (of at least 5 persons) than to obtain individual permits. These can be arranged via a travel agent in Kathmandu. The airport (Lhasa Gonggar Airport) is about an hour from the city.Climate of Lhasa, TibetWarmest months in Lhasa are June to August, when the temperature reaches an average of 15°C. Temperature may drop below zero from December to February.Books on Potala PalaceLooking for books on Potala Palace? Click here to view a selection of Books on Potala Palace at Amazon. |
 Potala Palace, Lhasa Author: Nathaniel Krause (public domain)  Potala Palace, Lhasa Author: Michael (cc-by-2.0)  Roof of the Potala Palace complex, Lhasa Author: Kelberul (GFDL)  Potala Palace author: Takeshi | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners 
 Potala Palace author: xiexiaohua | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners
 Potala Palace author: Dirk Jenrich | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners |
Local Tours of China
At times, it is faster, safer and cheaper to join a local tour than to go there yourself. This is especially true for many places in China. However, you need to be wary of the tour operators, especially those in China.Here are a few local tours of China that you may wish to add to your itinerary. These tours are arranged by Viator, one of the most reputable tour agencies in the market.
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