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The Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill in the center of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It has become a world-famous scenic spot and historical site due to its long history, the national aesthetic characteristics expressed in its architecture, and its special value for the study of Tibetan social history, culture and religion.
It was originally built by Songtsen Gampo, the king of the Tubo Dynasty, to marry Princess Bhrikuti and Princess Wencheng. After more than 1,300 years of continuous construction, it has become what it is today.
The Potala Palace is primarily composed of the Red Palace and the White Palace. The Red Palace, the tallest in the center, is an important venue for religious ceremonies, while the surrounding White Palaces house the Dalai Lama's daily life and political activities. The Potala Palace also has several ancillary buildings, including the Snow City at the foot of the mountain and Zongjiaolukhang Park in the rear.
The best time to visit the Potala Palace is from June to October, when Tibet's climate is warm and humid, making it the best time to visit. July and August are peak seasons, when the number of visitors reaches its peak and tickets may be hard to come by.
The Potala Palace tour is a fixed route, requiring only the signposts. The tour begins at Snow City (8 locations: the Treasure House, the Exhibition of Old and New Tibet, Longxia Residence, Kansu Residence, the Mint, Xuebalekong, the Snow Prison, and Qiangcang), then continues through Deyangxia, the White House Porch, the East Hall, the West Hall, the Hall of the Vidyadhara, the Hall of the Fifth Gyalwa Mausoleum, and the Hall of the Avalokitesvara Jataka, for a total of 15 attractions.
Golden Summit Group
This complex comprises the golden domes of the mausoleums of successive Dalai Lamas. Here, you can not only admire the exquisite golden domes up close, but also gaze out over the ancient city from afar. It's a great place to snap a truly authentic Tibetan photo.
Snow City
This is the collective name for the buildings beneath the Potala Palace. Here, you can see the offices of former feudal lords, institutions providing services for the rulers, residences of monks, nobles, and officials, as well as the homes of low-ranking employees, craftsmen, and serfs. The Treasure House: Located in Snow City, the Treasure House, nestled within a typical Tibetan architectural facade, houses a modern museum displaying numerous treasures related to Tibetan culture, history, and art.
Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours
Peak season (May 1st - October 31st): 200 yuan/ticket.
Off-season (November 1st - April 30th of the following year): 100 yuan per ticket.
Ticket sales and admission start time: 09:30
Ticket closing time: 15:00
Last entry time: 15:00
Clearance time: 15:00
Potala Palace, built in the 17th century, was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the seat of Tibetan government. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, culture, and architectural achievement.
Located on Marpo Ri Hill in Lhasa, Tibet. Visitors can reach it by taxi, local bus, or on foot from central Lhasa. Walking is necessary inside the palace complex.
Open daily, generally from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The best months to visit are May to October for clear skies and mild weather.
Entrance fees are around 200 RMB per adult (prices may vary by season). Tickets can be purchased at the official ticket office in Lhasa or online through authorized travel platforms.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season. Book at least a few days ahead to secure your preferred date and time slot.
Allow 2–3 hours to explore the main areas, plus additional time for photography and walking around terraces. A full half-day is recommended for a relaxed visit.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in Chinese and English, providing historical and religious context for the palace and its artifacts.
Start at the entrance, climb through the White Palace, visit the Red Palace and its chapels, see the Dalai Lama tombs, and finish with a walk on the outer terraces for city views.
Night visits are not available. Special guided tours may be arranged during festivals or with private tour operators.
Potala Palace is often crowded, especially in summer and during holidays. Weekday mornings are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities include restrooms at the entrance, small souvenir shops, and limited food and water vending points. Carry water and light snacks for convenience.
Accessibility is limited due to steep stairs and high altitude. Elderly or disabled visitors may face challenges, and children should be supervised carefully.
Cash is recommended; some shops may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay, but not all.
Vegetarian Tibetan dishes are available; vegan and halal options are limited and should be confirmed in advance.
Yes, offering Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, thangka paintings, jewelry, and local wool products.
