Potala Palace - A World Heritage Architectural Masterpiece

Potala Palace, regarded as landmark and the symbol of Tibet, is a great giant palace consisting of many houses, towers, chapels, etc. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Potala Palace is the highest (in altitude) palace in the world. Because of its spectacular architecture style, it is honored as one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the world. As the historic ensemble of Lhasa, Potala Palace, together with the exceptional Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main buildings of Potala Palace are situated on the Red Hill by the side of Lhasa River. It is not only a splendid palace, but also a treasure house where you can see precious arts and learn Tibetan culture and history. Because of its brilliant arts and history, travelers see it as the No. 1 must-see attraction in Tibet. By climbing the steps up to the top, you can see the great views of Lhasa city as well as beautiful plateau landscape far away.

Potala Palace’s history can be traced back to about 1,300 years ago and it has been through several large reconstructions ever since. It was originally built in the 7th century when the Tubo Kingdom ruled Tibet to house the King Srongtsen Gampo and his two wives - Princess Wencheng of Tang Empire and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal.

After the fall of Tubo Kingdom, Potala Palace was almost ruined by constant wars. A pivotal restoration took place in the 17th century, marking the most significant reconstruction in its history. This large-scale project was carried out with support from the Qing Dynasty and spanned many years. Upon its completion, the palace became the administrative and religious center of the region, consolidating its role as a symbol of Tibetan cultural and spiritual heritage. Since that restoration, the complex has undergone several subsequent renovations, yet the main structure of Potala Palace has been preserved largely as it stood centuries ago, maintaining its historical form and architectural integrity.

The Snow City - the Functional Base of the Potala Palace

Located at the foot of the Potala Palace, Snow City served as the fully functional administrative and residential base supporting the entire complex. Key facilities included the Snow Prison, printing workshops, mint, extensive storerooms, etc. all essential to maintaining the palace's daily and ceremonial life. Constructed in the classic Tibetan stone-and-wood style, its compact yet harmonious layout offers a glimpse into the social and logistical systems that sustained this iconic politico-religious center. Today, most of the buildings in the Snow City have been restored and now serve as museums or exhibition halls open to visitors, making it the first stop on a tour of the Potala Palace.

The White Palace - the Outer Fortress of Ceremony and Governance

The White Palace forms the primary outer structure of the Potala and historically functioned as both the winter residence and administrative headquarters. Its iconic white exterior, maintained annually with a traditional wash of milk, lime, and honey, symbolizes peace. The architecture built directly into the mountainside with stepped, tapered walls, blending stability with striking visual grandeur. Comprising 7 main floors, it houses significant spaces such as the Eastern Great Hall (东大殿), the palace's largest hall used for major ceremonies, and the Sunlight Halls (日光殿), the rooftop living and meditation chambers bathed in natural light.

The Red Palace - a Sacred Summit of Tibetan Buddhist Art and Power

The Red Palace stands above the White Palace and symbolizes the authority of Tibetan Buddhism.Its iconic deep-red walls, achieved by coating bundles of lightweight "Baima Grass" with natural mineral pigments, set it apart visually. The very structure functions as a three-dimensional mandala, its layout mirroring the cosmic order. The concentrated power is most tangibly expressed in its treasure-filled inner sanctums, where gold-encrusted stupas and halls preserving imperial edicts from Chinese emperors stand side by side. Architecturally, the Red Palace embodies the pinnacle of Tibetan religious construction: its wooden beams and stone walls are intricately combined; its gilded bronze tiles and golden roofs showcase a decorative aesthetic that blends Han and Tibetan styles; and murals, thangkas, and painted designs cover nearly all walls and beams.

Inside the majestic Palace is the treassure house of splendid artworks. Apart from being the artistic concentrate of ancient Tibet architecture, Potala Palace is also an art treasure of Tibet.

The most outstanding representative is the 698 murals on the walls and along the corridors which describe some important events happened in Tibetan history, like the marriage alliance of Princess Wencheng and Srongtsen Gampo, and lifetime stories of famous Buddhist masters, as well as invaluable documentary scenes recording the grand construction process of the Potala Palace itself.

Besides the murals, you can also find a large quantity of exquisite Thangkas, a typical religious scroll painting made on silk, cloth or paper and framed by color satin, which mainly tell the historical events, religious figures and Buddhist doctrines. Many of these Thangkas are masterpieces of intricate embroidery and silk tapestry, representing the pinnacle of Tibetan sacred art. There are also many kinds of crafts to present the Tibetan local life.

Potala Palace is one of the holiest buildings of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the palace of the leader of Tibetan Buddhism. In ancient times, Potala Palace opened a Buddhist school to teach Buddhism. It houses many stupas of past high lamas. And in both Red Palace and White Palace, there are lots of precious statues, especially the 2 meters high statue of Tsong Khapa (in East Chapel), a silver statue of Padmasambhava (in South Chapel), and statues of Sakyamuni and Medicine Bduddha (in North Chapel). To appreciate them fully, observe key identifiers such as hand gestures, ritual objects, and seated postures. Integrated into different Buddhist art of Han dynasty, India and Nepal, the sculptures is another precious treasure in the palace.

The Potala Palace is located at No. 35, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区北京中路35号). Nestled in the heart of Lhasa, the Potala Palace is now more accessible than ever for travelers. Reaching Lhasa is convenient via non-stop flights or the scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Once you arrive in Lhasa city center, the iconic palace is easily within reach.

Get to Lhasa from Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Xian...by Flight

The most convenient way to get to Lhasa is by flying into Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across China, including Chengdu (about 3 hours), Chongqing (about 3 hours), Beijing (about 4.5 hours), Xining (about 2.5 hours), etc. With a distance of around 60 km from airport to Lhasa city center, you can take the airport shuttle bus or car to get there in 1~1.5 hours.

Get to Lhasa from Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Xining...by Train

Taking the train is a classic and scenic way to reach Lhasa, though journeys can be quite long. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa to domestic cities like Chengdu (about 34.5 hours), Chongqing (about 34 hours), Beijing (about 40.5 hours), and Xining (about 20~21.5 hours). Upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, it's only about a 9-kilometer drive for 0.5 hours to the city center.

Warm Tip: It is generally advised that tourists avoid heading straight to the Potala Palace from the airport or train station. Instead, rest at the hotel to allow for acclimatization. A visit to the palace is better scheduled for the second or third day.

Check more about Flights to Lhasa | Trains to Lhasa 丨 How to Get to & Around Lhasa

Private Transfer with Tibet Discovery

If you book a Tibet tour with us, we can arrange seamless private transportation, from your airport or train station pickup to transfers between your hotel and all attractions. We also offer customized itineraries that take care of the details of your trip, including tickets, meals, accommodations, and more. Feel free to contact us for details.

Route 1 - Classic Route

This route includes 16 main attractions featuring nearly all significant halls and chapels, plus 8 sites in the Snow City at the base, typically taking 2.5-3.5 hours to complete. Snow City 8 sites include Treasure Hall (珍宝馆), Exhibition of Tibet’s Past and Present (西藏新旧对比展), Longxia House (龙夏宅), Khensur House (堪苏宅), Mint (造币厂), Shol Administrative Office (雪巴勒空), Snow Prison (雪监狱), and Chang Brewery (羌仓).

Admission is 200 CNY per person during the peak season (May 1 to Oct. 31) and 100 CNY during the off-season (Nov. 1 to Apr. 30).

Route 2 - Condensed Route

This route focuses on the primary areas of the White Palace and lower-level halls of the Red Palace, covering 9 main attractions along with the same 8 Snow City sites. This route typically require about 2-3 hours.

Admission for this route is 100 CNY per person during the peak season (May 1 to Oct. 31).

Note: The Potala Palace does not sell same-day tickets. You can book your tickets between 1 and 7 days before your visit. It is recommended to arrange your visit through a licensed Tibet travel agency, which will handle your entry ticket to the palace, and book as early as possible, as tickets for the next day are often sold out. Feel free to contact us at Tibet Discovery for a worry-free experience.

6 Useful Tips to Manage the Altitude at the Potala Palace

1. Prepare Well - Rest, Relax, and Consult Your Doctor if Needed
2. Plan Wisely - Don't Schedule the Potala Palace on Day 1 in Lhasa
3. Stay Comfortable - Choose Oxygen Hotel and Avoid Showering
4. Eat Smart - Prioritize Hydration and Light Foods
5. Pack Right - Take Sturdy Sneaker, Trekking Pole, and Snacks
6. Golden Rule - Follow the Slow Rule

Check more about Potala Palace Altitude - What You May Not Know about the Climb 2025

Potala Place is an extremely outstanding attraction with spectacular architectures. Its beauty lies in the harmonious fusion of grandeur and sacredness. The palace’s towering structure, built seamlessly into the slope of Red Hill, creates a powerful, layered silhouette against the sky. The contrast between the stark white walls of the White Palace and the deep crimson of the Red Palace is visually striking. Ornate golden roofs, intricate traditional Tibetan windows, and long, sweeping stairways add detail to the massive façade. It attracts numerous shutter-bugs to admire its charm and take wonderful pictures. For the best photographs, three spots are highly recommended, all conveniently within a short walking distance after your palace visit.

Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform - the Banknote Angle

Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, also called Yaowang Mountain, is a sacred hill located over the street of Potala Palace. On the cliff of Chakpori Hill, you can find many well-preserved figures of Buddha which may date back to 1,000 years ago. The hill's viewing platform is renowned as the classic spot famously depicted on the 50-yuan RMB note. It is a popular and symbolic activity here to hold up a 50-yuan bill to capture the matching scene with the palace in the background. Its opening hours are 8:00-19:40 (Apr. 15 to Oct. 15) and 9:00-19:00 (Oct. 16 to Apr. 14).

Zongjiao Lukang Park - Rear Side of the Potala Palace

Zongjiao Lukang Park is located behind the Potala Palace.Here you can take the best picture of the inverted reflection of Potala Palace from Dragon King Pool. Local people regard it as the best resort to take a leisure walk because it has comfortable environment with bridges, lakes, birds, fishes as well as green trees and various flowers. Local Tibetans will come here to do morning exercises or just hang out with families and friends.

Potala Palace Square - the Classic Front Reflection Shot

In the square in front of Potala Palace, you can take a full view of Potala Palace. In the morning, you could also take the picture of the local Tibetans who are taking kora around Potala Palace. If you visit at night, you can stand at the square palace to take a sparkling night scene of Potala Palace.

As the iconic landmark of Lhasa, the magnificent Potala Palace can be seen from many locations throughout the city. Check more about A Frame with a View - 11 Best Places to View & Photograph Potala Palace 2025

When visiting the Potala Palace, it is recommended to stay in central Lhasa, particularly around the palace itself or the Barkhor Street area, as these locations offer great convenience and a rich cultural atmosphere. The vicinity of the Potala Palace allows for easy walking access to the site and is close to landmarks like Zongjiao Lukang Park, with accommodations ranging from budget chains to upscale options. Alternatively, the Barkhor Street area near the Jokhang Temple immerses visitors in traditional Tibetan culture, with many Tibetan-style guesthouses and boutique hotels, and is only about a 10-minute car ride from the palace.

Check more about Lhasa Accommodation - Recommended Hotels in Lhasa

Best Time to Visit Palace

The Potala Palace can be visited year-round, as weather conditions do not typically prevent access. However, the optimal time is from May to October, when the weather is mild and opening hours are generally longer. This period is also ideal if you plan to extend your trip to other Tibetan destinations such as Namtso Lake or Mount Everest. Visitor numbers tend to be higher during the National Day holiday (October 1–7) and the summer vacation period.

For the best experience, morning visits offer softer light for photography, while afternoons tend to be less crowded. Although the palace itself is not open in the evening, you can still admire its exterior and enjoy the night view from Potala Palace Square.

Note that the palace is closed every Monday (except national holidays), with specific hours: 09:00–15:40 during the high season (May 1 to Oct. 31) and 09:30–15:20 in the low season (Nov. 1 to Apr. 30).

Check more about Lhasa Weather and Climate - Best Time to Visit Lhasa

Manners & Taboos

Since Potala Palace is an important Buddhist site, tourists need to dress and act respectfully. Please do not point your fingers at the statues and remember to take off your sunglasses or hat while visiting the halls. Water and lighters are forbidden to be taken to the palace, but there is water for sale in the White Palace Square. It is also not allowed to take photos after entering the palace.

Check more about Potala Palace Travel Tips - Know the Ropes Before You Go 2025

Jokhang Temple - Religious Center of Tibet

Location: No. 2 Bakuo West Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区八廓西街2号); about 1.5km away from the Potala Palace for 5 minutes' drive

Jokhang Temple (or Jokhang Monastery) is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan pilgrims. Situated at the heart of the old town of Lhasa and surrounded by Barkhor Street, this 4 storied building, was built in the 7th century by Songtsan Gambo, with gilded bronze tiles covering the roof, and demonstrates a combination of the architectural style of Han, Tibetan, India, and Nepal, as well as a Mandala world outlook of Buddhism.

Barkhor Street - Best Place to Feel Tibet's Local Vibe

Location: Yutuo Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区宇拓路); about 1.7km away from the Potala Palace for 10 minutes' drive

Barkhor Street is the popular circumambulation for pilgrims and a commercial center. Being “a saint road” in the eyes of Tibetan, you can feel the local spiritual belief when you see different pilgrims from all over Tibet in different dresses and dialects to pray devoutly along Barkhor Street. Like a miniature of Lhasa, it shows you another aspect of the Tibetan life. There are an eyeful of fantastic stores and shops to display most characteristic items and commodities such as thangkas, prayer wheels, prayer flags and milk tea. Barkhor Street is such a great place to buy some souvenirs and soak up the local Tibetan lifestyle.