introduce
As a symbol of Tibet, the Potala Palace is a holy place in the hearts of all pilgrims! "Potala" is Sanskrit, also translated as "Putuo", originally referring to the residence of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Come here, you can not only enjoy a large number of historical relics collected in the palace, appreciate the wonderful architectural art of the Tibetan people, but also perform a baptism of the soul in that holy atmosphere.
Origin of Potala Palace
According to historical records: In the 1730s, Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd generation of Tubo, moved the capital to Lhasa and built the Potala Palace. Since then, major religious and political ceremonies have been held here, and it has become the ruling center of Tibet's theocracy.
White House and Red Palace
The Potala Palace has a distinctive Tibetan style and is majestic. It is an existing and complete castle-style building complex in Tibet, and is known as one of the top ten earthen buildings in the world. Its main buildings are divided into two parts: the White House and the Red Palace. The White House is named for its white exterior wall, and it is the place where lamas live and conduct political activities. Because the sun shines here all day long, it is called the East and West Sunlight Halls. The Red Palace is located in the center of the top of the Potala Palace. The outer wall is red and consists of many spiritual pagodas and various Buddhist halls.
historical relics
The Potala Palace collects and preserves a large number of historical relics, including pagodas, statues, murals, thangkas, scriptures and classics, as well as gold books granted by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties that indicate the relationship between the local government of Tibet and the central government in history. , jade books, gold seals and gold and silverware, jade, porcelain, enamel and handicraft curiosities. Among them, the eight spiritual pagodas since the fifth generation are eye-catching, all of which are resplendent and embellished with gems, which can be called a palace of art.
opening hours
January 3rd-March 15th 09:30-14:00 (stop ticket sales at 14:00, last admission 14:00); March 16th-April 30th 09:00-17:30 (last Late entry 15:00); May 1st - October 31st 08:30-18:00 (last entry 15:40)
Preferential treatment policy
Service Facilities
must see tips
1. During the peak season of the Potala Palace (May 1st to October 31st), a ticket reservation system is implemented. Tourists who need to visit during this period (except for online ticket purchases and reservations) need to receive reservation tickets on site. The reservation time limit is only to book tickets for the next day one day in advance, and the reservation time is 09:00 every day, and the reservation tickets are free until they are sold out. The reservation place is the only ticket reservation window of the Potala Palace Management Office. Valid proofs are ID cards, active military IDs, or passports. Tourists who make an appointment in advance, but due to personal reasons, cannot visit on the same day or cannot visit on time, need to go to the appointment window of the Potala Palace in time to apply for an extension or cancel the appointment.
2. It is also very convenient to buy tickets through the official website of the Potala Palace. There is no need to exchange tickets in advance, but you need to pass through each gate with your ID card.
3. The visit to the Potala Palace needs to follow all the taboos of Tibetan Buddhism: after entering the hall, hats and sunglasses are not allowed, especially skirts. Visitors who wear skirts will be required to change into trousers before entering. It is not allowed to take pictures in the hall, nor to step on the threshold with your feet.
4. Entering the Potala Palace will undergo strict security checks. Controlled knives, flammable and explosive items, liquid drinks, etc. cannot be brought in, and large bags may also be required to be opened for inspection. . Before entering the Potala Palace, solve the problem of convenience first, because there are toilets on the right side of the Deyangxia Square from the entrance to the ticket office, and there are no toilets along the way for about 30-40 minutes of the visit.
5. After entering the main entrance of the Potala Palace, there is only a security check. To get to the real ticket office, you need to walk a lot of steps. People with poor physical strength may have to walk for half an hour. So set aside time and don't miss the ticket purchase time marked on the ticket purchase voucher.
6. The night scene lights of the Potala Palace will be turned off at night, and the lights will be turned off at 22:30. It is recommended to arrive before that if you want to take a night view.
