Norbulingka Palace Lhasa - Tibet's Largest Classic Garden

Norbulingka Palace, on the west edge of Lhasa city, is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet. Nearby Potala Palace, Norbulingka, which in Tibetan refers to "Park of Treasure," used to be the summer residence and administrative headquarters to deal with government issues and hold religious activities. As an integral part of the Potala Palace Historic Ensemble, it was added to a World Heritage Site in 2001. First built in 1755, Norbulingka spans over 360,000 square meters with more than 374 rooms, evolving into a sprawling imperial garden through centuries of expansion. Dotted with various kinds of precious flowers and plants, it has earned the reputation of a genuine "Plateau Oxygen Bar". With a peaceful atmosphere and tranquility, you will easily get yourself relaxed when walking inside this pure land.

As a barren land, Norbulingka was initially nothing but full of overgrown weeds and infested with wild animals. In the 18th century, due to its scrub growth alongside and the beautiful scenery in the summer, it drew the attentinon of Kelzang Gyatso, who would like to pitch camps to spend his whole summer time there. Finally, in the year 1755, this place was officially developed into a garden - style residence, serving as a venue for handling local affairs and receiving guests.

Subsequently, it underwent continuous expansion. Starting from just a few rooms and scripture halls, it gradually evolved into a large - scale architectural complex encompassing multiple palaces, pavilions, and villas. A great number of plants were planted around it, and the scale of the garden kept growing, ultimately becoming an important place that integrated living, official work, and leisure.

Today, being a public park and museum opened in 1959, common people can visit inside to wonder at its beauty. Also, there are various activities and festivals taking place for tourists to join in Tibetan.

Norbulingka, cover an expansive area of 360,000 square meters, is a magnificent integration of Tibetan architecture and inland traditional landscape art. Composed of five major architectural complexes, its layout encompasses not only grand palaces but also religious halls, elegant pavilions, towering terraces, functional storehouses, and serene courtyards. The front space is always dotted with hundreds of species of flowers, ornamental shrubs, and ancient trees, creating a tranquil "Plateau Oxygen Bar" that blooms vibrantly through seasons.

Ancient Grand Palaces

There are three outstanding potrangs, namely "palace" in Tibetan, including the Kelsang Potrang, Chensal Potrang and Takten Migyur Potrang. Inside these potrangs, there are some precious historical relics and art works kept. You can see many elegant Thangkas, solemn Buddha statues, beautiful wall paintings, and nice chinaware gifted by the central Chinese governments since ancient times.

Kelsang Potrang (格桑颇章): As the first palace in Norbulingka, it is named after Kelsang Gyatso (1708-1757). Originally a two-story structure, a third floor was added in 1922. The hall houses various Buddha statues, and is also adorned with thangkas depicting Tara, Dharma protectors, and other figures, surrounding the interior. Many religious ceremonies, received guests, and conducted state affairs were also held here.

Chensal Potrang (金色颇章): Constructed in 1922, this magnificent three-story Tibetan building stands in the western part of Norbulingka. The main hall on the first floor, as the official site, is adorned with murals depicting Buddha's life. The second floor served as residential place, while the third floor housed a small scripture hall for religious ceremonies.

Takten Migyur Potrang (达旦明久颇章): Built in 1954, it is called the New Palace. As the most elegant and largest palace with a fusion of a temple and villa, it is the representative to present Tibetan architecture. With a similar function to other palaces, however, the chapels on the second floor reserved a serial mural to describe the history of Tibet by over 300 scenes, which is quite particular.

Tyokyil Potrang (措吉颇章) is also worth visiting. It's a pavilion in the midst of a lake and known for its top scenic spot in Norbulingka, built in 1781. With two stone bridges to connect both sides, its layout is a shape of rectangle with three small islands listed by. Decorated with gold gold-covered roof and copper tile, this palace is full of Buddhist murals around the walls and different Buddha statues, and the rest rooms.

Shoton Festival Activities

Apart from its splendid palaces and magnificent buildings, Norbulingka also features some significant Tibetan cultural events, with the most prominent and lively being the annual Shoton Festival. While the Shoton Festival unfolds across multiple venues in Lhasa, Norbulingka stands as its core and most iconic main venue. After the grand ceremony of the Buddha Exhibition in Drepung Monastery, this festival still lasts with a strong atmosphere from the first day to the seventh day of July in Tibetan Lunar Calendar (mid-to-late August of the Gregorian calendar). During those days, people gather in Norbulingka to have a family picnic and enjoy wonderful Tibetan shows. Many famous Tibetan Opera teams will compete in Norbulingka to perform traditional shows and dances to please audiences.

Visitors are advised to tour Norbulingka in a clockwise direction, starting at Kelsang Potrang, then proceeding to Chensal Potrang and Takten Migyur Potrang in sequence. Walking to explore, which is the most recommended, takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, allowing ample time to appreciate the park's exquisite landscape design and traditional Tibetan garden aesthetics.

For those preferring convenience, sightseeing buses (CNY 20/person) are available. Buses depart from the entrance and stop at major attractions, including Chensal Potrang, Kelsang Dekyil Potrang, Takten Migyur Potrang, and the souvenir shop. After exploring a site, simply wait for the next bus to continue your journey.

Located in Lhasa downtown, Norbulingka is easy to reach. It's

● about 2.5 km west from Potala Palace

● about 5.5 km northwest from Barkhor Street

● about 6.3 km away from Lhasa Railway Station

● about 56 km away from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

You can walk here from the nearby attractions like the Tibet Museum. If you're coming from farther away, such as Barkhor Street, or from train or airport stations, you have several transportation options available, including taxis, buses, or private cars. However, taking a public transportation can be bothersome, especially when there are language barriers. And please be warmly noted that an independent travel is not available for international visitors. Should you need any help, please feel free to contact us. If you book Tibet tour with us, we'll arrange private transfer services between attractions, train stations, and airports. Additionally, our packages include tickets, meals, accommodation, etc. Contact us now >>

1. Open Time: 9:30-16:30

2. Best Time to Visit: May to October for beautiful scenery; Mid-to-late August for vibrant Shoton Festival.

2. Ticket: CNY 60/person; CNY 20/person for a tourist bus if you seek a less strenuous alternative to walking.

3. Manner & Taboo: Please ask for permission first before taking photos in Buddhist halls/palaces; do not touch religious items such as Buddha statues, ritual instruments, or offerings; take off your hat or sunglasses entering inside.

4. Nearby Attraction: Tibet Museum about 400 meters northeast from Norbulingka, showcases Tibet's profound history and rich cultural heritage. It collects over 520,000 artifacts, including rare cultural relics, religious ritual instruments, exquisite thangkas, and ancient documents - with more than 10,000 classified as national treasures.