Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka Gardens

When visiting Lhasa, one must not miss the renowned Jokhang Temple! This temple houses the most precious 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni, regarded by Tibetans as the holiest Buddha statue. There's even a saying, "First came Jokhang Temple, then came the city of Lhasa," which highlights the temple's significance in the hearts of Tibetans.

In the square in front of Jokhang Temple, you can often see devotees performing full-body prostrations, the most devout form of worship in Tibetan Buddhism. It's truly admirable, especially considering the high altitude where even walking can leave you breathless, let alone performing such rigorous rituals! While visiting the temple, we met a friendly Tibetan who shared a little secret with us: standing on a particular stone slab while worshiping can create a unique magnetic field sensation. Such travel anecdotes made our journey even more meaningful!

The next day, we visited another famous attraction in Lhasa, Norbulingka. Known as the largest royal garden in Tibet, it served as the summer palace for the Dalai Lama, with its golden-roofed buildings shining brilliantly. Combining palace, religious, and garden functions, Norbulingka is often referred to as the "Summer Palace of Tibet." Spanning an area of about 360,000 square meters, it becomes a lively venue during the annual Shoton Festival, where Tibetans dress up, picnic, perform, and enjoy various entertainments. The yellow walls of the buildings reflect the traditions of the Gelug school (Yellow Hat sect) of Tibetan Buddhism and showcase the unique craftsmanship of highland architecture.

During this trip to Tibet, we also purchased Tibetan Thangka paintings. These are incredibly special and valuable collectibles, as they are painted using pigments made from natural minerals, ensuring they never fade over time!

Post by Embracing each moment | Sep 21, 2025