Live Your Best Lives
When talking about Lhasa, the “City of Sunshine” comes to mind. Lhasa is bathed in sunshine for most of the year. Lhasa itself is a legendary city, profound and open, mysterious and beautiful, and it is rapidly absorbing colorful foreign cultures.
In Lhasa, you can take a quick look or explore it in depth. No matter where you come from or what your intentions are when you come to Lhasa, you will definitely be impressed by the exotic customs of this city.
What are some must-see attractions for your first visit to Lhasa? Do you have any hidden gems for food, drinks, and shopping?
Tips:
Recommended equipment:
★ Bring a trolley case (you can leave it in the car or hotel during normal times), and you can also bring a camera bag or a small waist bag for activities
★You need a long-sleeved T-shirt, a thick jacket, warm clothing (a jacket and fleece jacket are recommended), sunglasses, a sun hat, and waterproof mid-to-high-top hiking shoes;
★Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, vitamins, Band-Aids, Fengyoujing, Rhodiola rosea
★Sunscreen + Moisturizing Toner + Hand Cream + Lip Cream (Must-have for girls)
★Various digital products, chargers, and photographic equipment
★Prepare some dry food, fruits and snacks, and a thermos
★Toiletries, change of clothes 8. Identity document, this is the most important
Lhasa is the capital of China's Tibet Autonomous Region, the political, economic, cultural and religious center of Tibet, and a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism. Lhasa is located in the central part of the Tibetan Plateau and on the north side of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,650 meters. It is located in the middle valley plain of the Lhasa River, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The Lhasa River flows through here and flows into the Yarlung Zangbo River in the southern suburbs.
Lhasa, an ancient plateau city with over 1,300 years of history, boasts over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, earning it the nickname "Sunshine City." Since Songtsen Gampo relocated the capital to Lhasa in the early 7th century, the city has captured the imagination of the world, as has its undeniable altitude. It's no longer a destination requiring a reason to visit. Travelers often associate it with a sense of faith, a feeling of mystery and sacredness that they both vaguely understand and lack. Beneath the vast expanse of the sky, Lhasa becomes a pure land amidst the mundane.
The Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple are spiritual destinations, destinations pilgrims strive to reach throughout their lives. People living here believe that if they look up three times, they will see the gods. Temples are the most densely populated area in Lhasa. Outside the city, the temples perched on cliffs or hidden in valleys are themselves breathtaking sights.
I believe that you will come with a pious heart, not just learning to chant "Om Mani Padme Hum", or following the pilgrims in circles and repeatedly crawling up and standing up in front of the Jokhang Temple, but with a heartfelt respect for the local culture.
Is Lhasa an ideal country? You will have the answer in your heart after your trip.
Tips:
In Lhasa, please do not:
★Counterclockwise rotation
Wearing a skirt, hat, and sunglasses to enter a temple
★ Point your fingers at the Buddha statue, but keep your palm facing upwards
★ Please respect the rules and regulations and do not take photos of the Sutra Hall or Dharma Assembly without permission. You are also not allowed to take photos directly of Tibetans and pilgrims.
★Talk about politics
★ Picking up Mani piles and cow horns
For many people, Tibet is a remote area located in western China, which is not very convenient to enter and exit. Currently, there are three main ways to enter Tibet: air, train, and road.
1. Travel to Tibet by air
Currently, the airports in Tibet Autonomous Region that have opened flights include: Lhasa Gonggar Airport, Qamdo Bangda Airport, Nyingchi Milin Airport, Ali Kunsha Airport, and Shigatse Heping Airport.
In addition to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, the other cities that can be directly reached by airports are mainly Chengdu and Chongqing, and there are relatively few flights per day.
Lhasa Gonggar Airport currently offers direct flights to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Lanzhou, Changsha, and Hangzhou. Some cities require a stopover.
The main flights are from Chengdu and Chongqing, with many flights per day. For cities without direct flights, you can transfer in Chengdu and Chongqing.
If you need to travel to Tibet by air, you can purchase air tickets through online channels such as Ctrip and Qunar.
How to get to and from Lhasa Gonggar Airport:
Airport shuttle bus:
Taxi:
Didi: Currently, Didi’s business in Lhasa is very developed. You can use Didi to hail a taxi. The price for a chartered car is around 200 yuan, and the price for a carpool is around 40 yuan per person.
Local taxi: The chartered price is about 200 yuan, and the shared price is 50 yuan per person.
★ China-TravelNote chartered car: 200 yuan per car, can accommodate 1-3 people.
2. Train to Tibet
There are seven cities that depart directly from Lhasa by train: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Xining, and Guangzhou.
Currently, all trains pass through Xining. If there is no direct train or the remaining tickets are limited, you can go to Xining to transfer.
Tourists can decide where to take the train to Tibet based on their geographical location, convenience and time.
You can buy train tickets on the official website: www.12306.com
If you need to grab tickets, you can do so on apps such as Ctrip and Qunar.
Tips:
suggestion:
★If it is your first time to Tibet and you are worried about altitude sickness, you can take the train, which will take some time to adapt.
★You can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to Lhasa city
★Since the train journey to Tibet takes quite a while, please rest in the hotel after arriving in Lhasa.
★July and August are the peak seasons for tourism in Tibet. If you need to travel by train to Tibet, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
3. Entering Tibet by road
There are four major routes to Tibet: Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, and Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.
At present, these four routes have become pilgrimage routes for outdoor enthusiasts.
Method: self-driving, cycling, hiking, hitchhiking, group tour
Tips:
How to prevent altitude sickness when you first arrive:
★ Start taking anti-altitude sickness medication such as Rhodiola rosea or Gaoyuan An half a month before departure
★If possible, try to take the train to Tibet to allow your body to slowly adapt
★Keep warm, catching a cold is a big taboo
Avoid strenuous exercise
★Quit smoking, drinking, and drinking plenty of water, and ensure adequate sleep
The city of Lhasa is actually not very big. There are two main streets - Beijing Road and Jiangsu Road. Tourists mainly travel by bus and taxi in the city.
The bus fee is 1 yuan per person, and only paper money can be used. Currently, you cannot pay with your mobile phone like in other places.
The starting price for taxis in Lhasa is currently 10 yuan, but drivers often don't use the meter. Instead, they share rides, picking up passengers who are on their way and rejecting them if they're not. There's no set price for these. Therefore, it's recommended that tourists take Didi, a fast-growing service in Lhasa. Simply pull out your phone, hail a car, and it'll arrive in minutes. Many Didi drivers are from other places, and their service is excellent. The price is also cheaper than taking a taxi directly, making it a great travel option for tourists.
Another way is to walk. I personally enjoy wandering the streets of Lhasa, sometimes following the Tibetans, sometimes wandering through the streets and alleys... maybe I'll even find some good snacks or shops.
Tips:
You need to be prepared when traveling in Lhasa:
★ Wind and sun protection: Wear a hat when going out. It is best to wear a coat or a skin-friendly coat, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and apply sunscreen.
★ Prepare Cash: Although WeChat and Alipay are now accepted in many places in Lhasa, it's still worth carrying some cash just in case. ★ Clothing Tips: Lhasa's temperatures are high in the summer, so you don't need to dress too much. However, if you're staying overnight in areas like Namtso Lake, you'll still need a fleece jacket or down jacket. Lhasa can be quite cold in the winter, so bring a down jacket, scarf, gloves, and other warm clothing.
When it comes to Lhasa, many people may misunderstand it as backward and lacking in good food. This is actually not the case. Lhasa offers the best dining in all of Tibet. Tibetan and Sichuan cuisine are the mainstays, with some Nepalese and Indian restaurants also available. Sichuan cuisine is slightly more expensive than in mainland China, but the value for money is still quite good. In recent years, a number of small, atmospheric, and themed restaurants have been slowly emerging in Lhasa, attracting a growing number of tourists.
Tibetan cuisine is based on meats such as beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, as well as vegetables such as potatoes and radishes. The diet primarily consists of rice, noodles, and highland barley. Tibetans prefer foods rich in oil, rich flavors, and fragrant, crispy, sweet, and crunchy textures. They use spicy and sour seasonings and a heavy use of spices. They often cook by roasting, deep-frying, pan-frying, and boiling.
Due to geographical factors, Tibetans have unique dietary habits. However, for tourists, this is not a common culinary tradition. Visitors to Tibet can choose to visit restaurants to enjoy distinctive Tibetan cuisine, such as various sausages, highland barley wine and butter tea, hand-pulled beef and mutton, cold yak tongue salad, steamed buns, tsampa, various pastries, as well as sweet tea, milk tea, yogurt, grilled sausage, air-dried meat, and sharp green tea.
1. Maggie Ami
This is a famous restaurant, rumored to be the place where Tsangyang Gyatso met his lover and a popular online check-in spot. In reality, it's just a Tibetan restaurant. The guestbook at Maji Amiri is truly eye-catching, its colorful inscriptions reflecting the diverse lives of people. The restaurant specializes in refined Tibetan cuisine, which is quite good, but there's often a long wait for a table.
Average price per person: 75 yuan. Address: Yellow House, southeast corner of Barkhor Street.
2. Tibetan Family Banquet
This is a famous Tibetan restaurant in Lhasa. While its facade is small, you'll discover a world beyond. The restaurant's decor is remarkably Tibetan, with elegant utensils and exquisite bowls. The waiters, all dressed in Tibetan attire, are incredibly welcoming and welcoming, making you feel right at home. The waiters are all very friendly, and the dishes are exquisitely prepared and delicious.
Average price per person: 75 yuan. Address: North Gate, East District, 75 Tuanjiexincun Road, Lhasa.
3. Remagabu Restaurant
At Anduo Restaurant, a Tibetan restaurant in Qinghai, Tibetan hot pot is cheaper than elsewhere and tastes excellent. If you're not sharing, the meat in a bowl and beef dumplings won't make you lament the loneliness of traveling alone.
Price per person: 50 yuan. Address: No. 2, No. 15, Xingka Road, Wengdu.
4. Guangming Harbor Qiongtian Teahouse
Guangming Gangqiong is undoubtedly Lhasa's most famous sweet teahouse. While its setting is simple, it's packed with people from the moment it opens. Upon entering, you first search the sterilizer for a glass, take out your change, and dump it on the table, then wait for the waiter to refill your tea. Sweet tea is 70 cents a cup; the waiter will take the money and give the change. If you're hungry, you can order a bowl of Tibetan noodles.
Average price: 10 yuan per person. Address: diagonally across from the Shambhala Hotel on Danjielin Road.
1. Donkey Nest Restaurant
The owner of Lhasa Donkey Nest is Lao Wan Tong. Both he and his wife are from Guangdong, so you can enjoy delicious Cantonese cuisine. It is also a gathering place for travel enthusiasts. Clay pot rice is the specialty here.
Price per person: 60 yuan. Address: Entrance of Dongcuo Youth Hostel, No. 10 Beijing East Road.
2. Snow Lotus Restaurant, Nepal
The owner is Nepalese, so naturally, you're here for Nepalese food. The menu is pretty much the same as the famous Namasde, but the taste and price are slightly better, and it's less crowded. The chicken curry set is their signature dish, and if you prefer spicy food, try the masala chicken.
Price per person: 80 yuan. Address: 2nd Floor, No. 59 Beijing East Road.
3. Italian restaurant
Lhasa also has authentic Western food. The pizza is very delicious, with a very thin and crispy crust. Although the waiter strongly recommends the filet mignon, the lamb chops are also very delicious and a good alternative.
Price per person: 50 yuan. Address: Jiri 2nd Lane.
4. Sichuan Restaurant
Sichuan cuisine is the most popular in Tibet, mostly because it is served by people from Sichuan who do business there. It has become one of the mainstream restaurants in Tibet. If you are not used to other cuisines, you can choose Sichuan cuisine, which can be found in every street and alley.
Walking the streets of Lhasa, you'll often see a local sitting in a corner, a small bowl filled with plump popsicles before her. Strangely enough, even in the 20-degree weather, Ajia's popsicles show no sign of melting. After feasting on Lhasa's delicacies and perusing its exquisite recipes, have you noticed these light, fun, and delicious snacks hidden on the streets of Lhasa?
1. Qianzhan Yak Yogurt Shop
This yogurt shop's slogan is "No Photography Allowed." The walls are covered with photos of fellow hikers, and the tables are covered with handwritten messages, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They offer a wide variety of yogurts, with the most popular being plain yogurt, yogurt rice, and ginseng fruit yogurt. It's a great place to relax.
Price per person: 24 yuan. Address: West of the west gate of the Potala Palace, Beijing Middle Road, Lhasa.
2. Ancient Tree Yogurt
Located near the Jokhang Temple, with an ancient tree at the entrance, Gushu Yogurt is a popular yogurt shop. Their signature osmanthus and red date yogurt is a must-try at almost every table. Their diverse yogurt flavors and exquisite servings are also a factor in their popularity.
Price per person: 25 yuan. Address: Under the ancient tree, No. 28, Barkhor South Street
3. Jelly
Some may wonder why jelly, a snack found throughout China, has become a street food in Lhasa. The truth is, the jelly you get in Lhasa tastes quite different from jelly you'd find elsewhere. To suit the tastes of Lhasa locals, the jelly's seasoning has been changed from the usual chili pepper to a special jelly seasoning made with over a dozen highland spices. This seasoning allows the jelly to retain the rich aroma of the grain while also adding a distinctive Lhasa burnt flavor.
Similar to yogurt and curd, jelly has also evolved into a variety of delicious dishes. For example, jelly pancakes, made by layering jelly on a white pancake and brushing it with pre-mixed seasoning, are another street food that both satisfies cravings and satisfies. As a result, jelly has become a legend in Lhasa. The most famous jelly shop, Tsom, always has a long line in front of its small window. Individuals often order everything on the menu until they're satisfied.
Recommended places to buy: Cuomu Jelly Shop, Sisters Fried Potatoes
4. Fried potatoes
Fried potatoes are a beloved snack on the streets of Lhasa, beloved by everyone, young and old. Besides jelly, they're another Lhasa street legend. Potatoes, cut into strips or slices, are fried in high-temperature oil for several minutes, removed from the pan when golden brown, and sprinkled with chili powder. The potatoes are still potatoes, and the chili is still chili—two simple things, clashing together. Seizing the heat, you devour several mouthfuls in one gulp. The sweet and spicy blend is irresistible.
Lhasa's potatoes are exceptionally sweet and fragrant, becoming a staple in restaurants. Some say this is due to the long hours of sunshine and the large temperature swings between day and night, resulting in potatoes with a particularly high starch content. In recent years, a wide variety of potato-based foods have emerged, with new products constantly being released. However, fried potatoes, thanks to their convenience, speed, and delicious flavor, will remain the king of street snacks, dominating the hands of street vendors for a long time to come.
Recommended place to buy: Sisters Fried Potatoes
5. Yogurt Popsicles
Yogurt popsicles, a derivative of yogurt, are the ultimate refreshing street snack in Lhasa during the summer. Walking the streets of Lhasa, you'll often see a vendor sitting in a corner, a small bowl filled with plump yogurt popsicles before them. Strangely enough, even in temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius, the popsicles Ajia sells show no signs of melting.
Making yogurt popsicles is incredibly simple: place yogurt in a suitable container and freeze until solid. A good yogurt popsicle tastes like a firmer version of shaved ice, smooth and smooth. Occasionally, some yogurt popsicles freeze into harder ice shards due to the water content between the yogurt, resulting in a more refreshing taste.
Recommended place to buy: Cuomu jelly shop
Tips:
The most beloved food of Tibetans:
Sweet tea, butter tea, and Tibetan noodles are entry-level Tibetan foods and an integral part of the traditional Tibetan lifestyle. Overall, Tibetan cuisine isn't particularly rich or flavorful, with tsampa (a barley product) and ghee (a dairy product) being the most common. These two foods are the basis for numerous Tibetan-style products.
Tsampa, highland barley wine, ghee and yogurt are foods with very Tibetan characteristics. When you arrive in Lhasa, whether you like them or not, you can try them and experience the local lifestyle.
1. Potala Palace
When travelers arrive in Lhasa by car, the Potala Palace is already visible before they even enter the city. Climbing the hillside north of Lhasa and surveying the entire city, the Potala Palace is undoubtedly the first thing that catches their eye. It is the fulcrum of Tibetan spiritual life, with some circumambulating it and others prostrating before it. Travelers are captivated by it, capturing its golden dome in the morning, its perfect reflection at night, and even turning their heads to see it when searching for a restaurant. Inns in the old city that boast a rooftop overlooking the Potala Palace are worth a fortune.
"Potala" is a transliteration of Sanskrit, meaning the abode of Avalokitesvara. Perched majestically atop Red Hill, it served as the palace of the ancient Tibetan kings and the Dalai Lama, and is considered a sacred site in this land. The Potala Palace, divided from bottom to top into three sections: the Snow City, the White Palace, and the Red Palace, boasts a world-class reputation for architecture, historical significance, and cultural relics.
(Filming location: Yaowang Mountain)
(Photography location: Palace Square)
(Photography location: Palace Square)
(Photography location: Nanshan Park)
(Photography location: Nanshan Park, author: Xiaoduo)
(Photography location: Potala Palace Prayer Path)
Ticket price: 200 yuan/person in peak season (May-October), 100 yuan/person in off-season (November-April of the following year)
How to book Potala Palace tickets:
★Book your own tickets on the official website: http://potalapalace.cn/home.html (It is recommended to book individual tickets on the official website 7 days in advance. There is no booking fee. You need to rush to book tickets. The booking time is 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM every day.)
★Book in advance through other channels. For example, you can book directly on some travel apps. In addition to the ticket fee, there is also a handling fee (the fee varies depending on the time period).
★ Make an appointment at the east gate of Potala Palace.
★If you have signed up for a China-TravelNote tour that includes a Potala Palace visit, you can contact China-TravelNote directly to book. (We currently do not support individual traveler bookings.)
Note: Since the number of visitors to the Potala Palace is limited every day, tourists can make an appointment at the west gate of the Potala Palace one day in advance. Tickets are often difficult to get in July and August, and sometimes you even have to queue overnight.
Tips:
Best shooting locations:
Potala Palace Square offers the most direct view of the Potala Palace. Located directly opposite the palace, the expansive view offers a perfect view of its grandeur. During peak season evenings, the square features musical fountains and colorful lights. After the fountains stop, the water below provides a perfect backdrop for photographing the palace's reflection.
★The viewing platform on Yaowang Mountain on the west side of the Potala Palace. The pattern on the back of the 50-yuan RMB note was photographed from this angle. Many tourists come here to take out banknotes and take photos with the Potala Palace.
Nanshan Park, on the other side of the Lhasa River, is a great place to photograph the Potala Palace's reflection. While it's a bit far, it's definitely worth a visit for photography enthusiasts, especially after a recent snowfall in Lhasa. The Potala Palace against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains is truly spectacular.
The Potala Palace circumambulation path is the longest in Lhasa. Many believers circle this path every day, making it a great place to photograph the humanities. (When photographing, it is recommended to use a telephoto lens to zoom in and avoid shooting directly at people, to show respect for others.)
2. Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple is the most magnificent surviving Tubo-era structure in Tibet, boasting a history of over 1,360 years. Among Tibetans, there's a saying: "The Jokhang Temple came first, and then Lhasa." It was the Jokhang Temple's construction that catalyzed the development of Lhasa. It serves as the center of major Buddhist events in Tibet, hosting the ordination ceremonies of successive Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas. The Jokhang Temple's architecture blends Sino-Tibetan influences with styles from Nepal and India, pioneering the Tibetan flat-plain temple layout.
Ticket price: 85 yuan. Guide fee: 100 yuan. Opening hours: 8:30-18:30
Tips:
The Jokhang Temple is rich in treasures and has fascinating historical stories. It's best to have a guided tour, otherwise you'll just be passing through the statues one after another. Don't seek out the unofficial guides who hang around the temple entrance. There's a sign next to the Jokhang Temple ticket office listing the names and phone numbers of all the official guides. These people are very knowledgeable and will be of great benefit to you.
3. Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street, also known as the "Eight-Cornered Street," is a focal point for Lhasa's religion, economy, culture, folk crafts, and local customs, making it a must-see for visitors to Lhasa. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Barkhor Street serves as one of Lhasa's traditional pilgrimage routes. It's also the world's busiest street, awakening before the sun reaches its climax, and continuing its revolving rhythm even as the long day draws to a close.
Lhasa's construction followed this sequence: the Jokhang Temple was already there. Later, as the number of pilgrims increased, they needed food, shelter, and shopping, which gave rise to the market—Barkhor Street, also known as Eight-Cornered Street. From this center, the entire city expanded outward. Hence the saying, "The temple came first, then the city." This polygonal street surrounding the Jokhang Temple was never immune to commerce.
Barkhor Street is a commercial street that revolves around the Jokhang Temple. It is home to a variety of shops and a wide variety of goods can be seen everywhere. It is one of the places that everyone who comes to Lhasa must visit.
Here, you can buy all kinds of things and eat different meals. Of course, you can also follow the Tibetans to circumambulate the Jokhang Temple clockwise, or sit in the Jokhang Temple Square to bask in the sun and daydream, which is also a good choice.
Tips:
When shopping in Barkhor Street, be sure to bargain, as merchants generally charge higher prices.
4. Ramoche Temple
Ramoche Temple, along with Jokhang Temple, is known as the "Two Jokhangs of Lhasa" and is a famous tourist attraction in Lhasa. Construction began during the Tang Dynasty, at the same time as the Jokhang Temple, by Han Chinese craftsmen recruited from inland China by Princess Wencheng. Facing east, the temple's architecture is modeled after the Han and Tang styles. Today, Ramoche Temple also serves as the Upper Tantric College, where Tibetan monks practice Tantric Buddhism. Lamas of the Gelugpa sect who have made significant contributions to their Buddhist studies pursue further studies here.
Ticket price: 20 yuan. Address: Xiaozhaosi Road. Opening hours: 7:30-21:00
5. Thousand Buddha Cliffs of Yaowang Mountain
Yaowang Mountain, known as Jiabo Ri in Tibetan, derives its name from the ruins of the former Tibetan Medical College, also known as the Yaowang Temple. South of Yaowang Mountain lies a spectacular cliff carving, said to be inspired by Songtsen Gampo's vision of Guanyin, Tara, and other deities. He subsequently commissioned craftsmen to carve these Buddha statues into the cliff face, which were then continued by successive generations until the area reached its present scale.
Ticket price: 10 yuan.
The cliff carvings are located on the back of Yaowang Mountain, accessible from the alleyway across from the Shanghai Building on Dejin South Road. The entire red rock face is covered with Buddha statues of various sizes, a truly spectacular sight and well worth a visit.
6. Norbulingka
"Norbulingka," meaning "Treasure Park" in Tibetan, was the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas and is known as Lhasa's "Summer Palace." A typical Tibetan-style garden, Norbulingka covers an area of 36 square meters, making it the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Over 100 plant species are found within the garden, including common flowers and trees from Lhasa as well as rare species imported from the Himalayas and inland areas. It is truly a plateau botanical garden, where you can even see authentic geraniums.
Ticket price: 60 yuan. Address: Minzu Middle Road. Opening hours: 8:30-18:00
7. Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, it is considered one of the three major monasteries of Lhasa. It was the last of the three monasteries to be built. There are two theories about the origin of the temple's name: one is that a hailstorm struck when the temple was being built, and hail is pronounced "sela" in Tibetan; the other is that the temple was built in a field of wild roses, and wild roses are also pronounced "sela" in Tibetan.
Ticket price: 50 yuan. Address: End of Sela Road. Opening hours: 8:30-16:30
Tips:
Sera Monastery holds debates at 15:00 from Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays or special holidays.
8. Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery is located in a valley on the southern slopes of Mount Genpei Utse, west of Lhasa. Founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, Drepung Monastery boasted over 10,000 monks at its peak, making it the largest monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. "Drepung" means "a heap of snow-white rice" in Tibetan, reflecting the sprawling monastery complex. From a distance, the white buildings dot the hillside, resembling a giant rice heap, hence the name. Drepung Monastery is perhaps most famous for the highlight of the Shoton Festival, the Buddha Shower.
Ticket price: 60 yuan. Address: Foot of Genpeiwuzi Mountain. Opening hours: 9:30-17:30
Tips:
Drepung Monastery holds religious ceremonies every Wednesday, with numerous lamas gathering to chant, creating a spectacular spectacle. From the monastery, one can overlook the entire Lhasa River Valley. Every year during the Shoton Festival, June 30th of the Tibetan calendar (around August in the Gregorian calendar), Drepung Monastery holds a grand Buddha exhibition. A massive thangka is unfurled to capture the golden rays of the sun shining from the snow-capped mountains.
9. Zhaji Temple
Zhaji Monastery is the only temple in Tibet dedicated to the God of Wealth. Its main deity is Zhaji Lhamo. Despite its small size, the temple is incredibly popular. Wednesdays are the perfect time to visit and pray for wealth. Tibetans, Han Chinese, and people of other ethnic groups flock to the temple every Wednesday, bearing offerings and reverently prostrating themselves before the statue of Zhaji Lhamo.
Admission: Free. Address: Zhaji Temple Road. Opening hours: 8:00-16:30
Tips:
It is said that Zhaji Ramu has a special hobby of drinking, so when people come to Zhaji Temple to worship, in addition to Hada and mulberry branches, they will definitely bring a bottle of white wine or barley wine.
10. Tibet Museum
While the Tibet Museum's exhibits aren't particularly extensive, it offers a window into Tibetan history, culture, art, and customs. Its most treasured item, a double-bodied pottery jar from the Middle and Late Neolithic period in Tibet, is displayed in the "Prehistoric Culture" gallery on the second floor.
Admission: Free. Tour guide fee: 100 yuan. Audio guide: 10 yuan. Address: No. 2 Minzu South Road. Opening hours: May to October (9:30-17:00), November to April (10:00-16:30)
11. Laru Wetland National Nature Reserve
In the northwest corner of the city lies a natural wetland, a habitat and wintering ground for rare birds such as black-necked cranes, ruddy shelducks, bar-headed geese, and brown-headed gulls. From November to March each year, large numbers of migratory birds from northern Tibet flock here to seek warmth. The Lhalu Wetland, the world's highest-altitude urban wetland and China's largest, is a reed peat bog, located just across the street from residential areas.
Admission: Free. Address: Dangre West Road
Tips:
As a national nature reserve, Laru Wetland cannot be explored in depth and bird watching must be done at a distance. The nearest viewing spots are Balku Village and the Zhonggan Canal on the south side of the wetland.
1. "Princess Wencheng" large-scale live-action drama
This performance tells the story of the marriage between Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng. It's said to be performed at the same place where Princess Wencheng lived before her marriage after arriving in Tibet. The 1.5-hour performance, divided into five segments, incorporates Tibetan dance, Tibetan opera, and Buddhist chanting. With over 2,000 actors, the spectacular performance is well worth a visit.
Tickets: Starting from 380 yuan (seat prices vary) Address: Princess Wencheng Live Theater, China Tibet Cultural Tourism Creative Park, Cijuelin Village, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet
2. Paradise Time Travel Bookstore
"Paradise Time" has many branches in Lhasa. The bookstore is divided into three main categories: Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and travel. With a few popular travelogues, the selection is quite high-quality. It's also a very romantic place, with a reading area where you can relax for an afternoon. The second floor also sells postcards, Tibetan incense, and other unique souvenirs, making it a great place to pick out small gifts for friends and family, or even send them a postcard.
Address: Barkhor Street, Cijuelin Village, Beijing East Road
3. Barkhor Mall
The souvenir shops in Lhasa are mainly concentrated in Barkhor Street and Barkhor Mall, but the goods here are of varying quality. It mainly depends on your personal vision and careful search to find various Tibetan ornaments, Nepalese handicrafts, small pendants, Tibetan incense, ritual instruments, Buddhist beads, carpets, thangkas and Buddha statues that you like. These are all good souvenirs.
Address: No. 1, Barkhor West Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Tips:
Shopping involves risks, so please choose carefully, especially when it comes to items such as Dzi beads, beeswax, turquoise, etc. If you don’t understand them, it is recommended that you do not buy them.
1. Namtso Lake
Located in Damxiong County, Namtso, meaning "Heavenly Lake" in Tibetan, covers over 1,900 square kilometers and stands at an average altitude of 4,718 meters, making it the largest saltwater lake in Tibet. Namtso's spiritual significance to Tibetans is unsurpassed. It is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes (the others being Yamdrok Lake and Manasarovar Lake). Nestled beneath the sacred Nyainqentanglha Mountains, Namtso is a sacred mountain and lake revered by both Bon and Buddhism.
A visit to Tibet is a must-see. Namtso is close to Lhasa and can generally be visited in a day, making it a great option for travelers with limited time.
But it would be a shame to just take a quick look at Namtso and leave. The sunrise and sunset at Namtso are among the most beautiful sights here. Arrive at Zhaxi Peninsula before sunset to see the most beautiful Namtso sunset. Once you reach Hezhang Rock, stop walking; if you continue, the sunset in the west will be behind you. Sunrise usually occurs around 7:30 a.m., and the best viewing spot is on the hill near the accommodation area.
Tickets: 120 RMB
Transportation: There are no direct buses from Lhasa to Namtso Lake. The nearest drop-off point is in Dangxiong, but you'll still need to charter a car once you get there. The most convenient way to get there is to find a car in Lhasa.
2. Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake, the largest inland lake in the northern foothills of the Himalayas, is larger than 70 West Lakes in Hangzhou. Its irregular shape and varying depths create a vibrant hue of blue when the sun shines from different angles. The lake's lush vegetation makes it a renowned pasture in Tibet. Every winter, large numbers of swans, ospreys, and bar-headed eagles migrate here, wintering on the lakeshore and islands in the center, creating the largest bird habitat in southern Tibet.
At night, the dazzling starry sky is reflected in the lake, creating a dazzling spectacle that attracts numerous tourists each year.
Ticket price: 120 yuan.
Transportation: Like Namtso, if you are not driving yourself, it is recommended to charter a car or join a tour group.
3. Ganden Monastery
Ganden Monastery ranks first among the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa sect, and along with Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, is considered one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa. Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect, Ganden Monastery is the oldest monastery of the Gelugpa sect and holds a unique position. The monastery also houses numerous precious historical relics, including the complete Kangyur Tripitaka, written in gold ink, gifted to the monastery by Emperor Qianlong. The stupa of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect, is also enshrined there.
Ticket price: 40 yuan.
4. Zayeba Temple
Zhayeba Monastery, also known as the Chayeba Cave Temple, is carved into a limestone mountain. Its unique integration of temple and cave is a hallmark of this monastery. Masters such as Songtsen Gampo, Atisha, and Padmasambhava once practiced in seclusion here. The road to Zhayeba Monastery crosses the Nagchen Pass, where prayer flags flutter in the wind. After winding uphill, you'll see a mountain covered in prayer flags, with the caves nestled beside it.
Ticket price: 30 yuan.
5. Tsurphu Monastery
Tsurphu Monastery, nestled in a valley, is the main monastery of the Black Hat branch of the Karma Kagyu sect. Visiting in the summer, the crimson temple is surrounded by lush green hills, with snow-capped peaks looming in the distant clouds. Tsurphu Monastery holds a sacred dance ceremony every winter and spring, a major event for the temple and a grand festival for the Tsurphu Valley. On the hills to the east and west of Tsurphu Monastery are secret meditation chambers, and nearby stands the Doilungpu stele from the Tubo era.
Lhasa is a place of faith. When we come here, we can leave behind worldly worries, and we don’t have to think about anything or do anything. We can just sit quietly in the Jokhang Square to bask in the sun and daydream, sit in a teahouse and listen to Tibetan compatriots chatting (even though we can’t understand them), follow the believers to pray in Barkhor Street, or wander the streets of Lhasa. It is such a leisurely thing.
“Living in the Potala Palace, I am the greatest king of the land of snow. Wandering on the streets of Lhasa, I am the most beautiful lover in the world.” — Tsangyang Gyatso
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