布达拉宫
Synopsis
Overview
The Potala Palace, situated atop the Red Hill in the center of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, is a magnificent architectural complex and the world's highest-altitude palace (approximately 3,700 meters above sea level), integrating palace, fortress, and monastery. It is not only an outstanding representative of Tibetan architecture but also a symbol of Tibet's history of the integration of church and state, being...
Overview
The Potala Palace, perched atop Red Hill in the center of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, is a magnificent architectural complex and the world's highest-altitude palace (approximately 3,700 meters above sea level), integrating palace, fortress, and monastery functions. It is not only an outstanding representative of Tibetan architecture but also a symbol of Tibet's history of the integration of church and state, hailed as "the pearl of the world's roof." Originally built by Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan king of the Tubo Dynasty, to welcome Princess Wencheng, it underwent multiple reconstructions and expansions, most notably the large-scale reconstruction during the 17th century under the Fifth Dalai Lama, which gave it its present scale. In 1994, the Potala Palace was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is not only a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism but also a cultural treasure revered by countless tourists and devotees. Its majestic architecture, precious cultural relics, and profound religious significance together constitute a unique world cultural heritage.
History
The history of the Potala Palace dates back to the 7th century AD. Historical records indicate that around 631 AD, Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of the Tubo Dynasty, built the initial palace on Red Hill to consolidate his rule and strengthen ties with the Tang Dynasty through marriage. However, this early palace was destroyed by warfare and lightning strikes towards the end of the Tubo Dynasty, leaving only a few remnants such as the Dharma King Cave and the Sacred Avalokiteshvara Chapel.
The glorious reconstruction of the Potala Palace began in the 17th century. In 1645, with the support of Güshi Khan, leader of the Khoshut Mongols, the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, ordered the reconstruction of the White Palace on the original site to consolidate the ruling position of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school. Completed in 1653, the White Palace became the residence and the venue for political and religious affairs of successive Dalai Lamas. After the Fifth Dalai Lama's passing, the regent Desi Sangye Gyatso oversaw the construction of the Red Palace starting in 1690 to house the Fifth Dalai Lama's stupa-tomb. The construction of the Red Palace took three years, employing vast human and material resources. It enshrines stupa-tomb halls of several Dalai Lamas, along with various Buddha halls and scripture halls. Subsequently, successive Dalai Lamas carried out expansions and maintenance to varying degrees, ultimately forming today's vast complex stretching over 360 meters east-west and about 270 meters north-south. The main structure appears to have 13 exterior stories (though internally it has 9 floors) and contains thousands of rooms, perfectly blending the functions of a palace, fortress, and monastery.
Main Attractions
The interior of the Potala Palace is complex with numerous halls, primarily divided into the White Palace, the Red Palace, and auxiliary buildings.
- White Palace: Named for its white exterior walls, it served as the living quarters and administrative center for the Dalai Lamas. Its core is the Eastern Great Hall (Tshomchen Shar), the venue for major religious and political ceremonies, such as enthronement ceremonies. The top floor houses the East and West Sunlight Halls, the Dalai Lama's private apartments, named for their abundant sunlight throughout the day.
- Red Palace: Located at the center of the Potala Palace with reddish-brown exterior walls, it is the core area for religious activities. Its most important structures are the stupa-tomb halls of successive Dalai Lamas. Among them, the Fifth Dalai Lama's Stupa-Tomb Hall (Serdong Khang) is the most magnificent, standing 14.85 meters tall, entirely covered in gold and inlaid with countless jewels, earning it the title "the foremost ornament in the world." The Thirteenth Dalai Lama's Stupa-Tomb Hall is also extremely lavish. Additionally, the Sacred Avalokiteshvara Chapel (Phakpa Lhakhang) is one of the palace's earliest structures, housing a self-arisen sandalwood statue of Avalokiteshvara, considered the palace's protective treasure. The Dharma King Cave (Chogyel Drupuk) is a meditation cave from Songtsen Gampo's time and is the oldest surviving structure within the palace.
- Other Important Sections:
- Deyangshar (Eastern Courtyard): A broad square in front of the White Palace, used for large-scale events like Tibetan opera performances.
- Palace Walls and Murals: The exterior walls feature "Baima grass walls" which reduce weight and serve as decoration. The palace preserves a vast number of exquisite murals depicting Tibetan history, religious stories, and the construction process, forming a precious artistic treasury.
- Golden Roof Group: Situated atop the Red Palace, consisting of multiple gilded copper-tiled roofs that glitter brilliantly in the high-altitude sunlight, it is one of the Potala Palace's most dazzling landmarks.
Practical Information
Visiting the Potala Palace requires advance planning. The following information is for your reference.
| Item | Specific Information | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | Peak Season (May 1 - Oct 31): Full-price ticket 200 RMB/person Off-peak Season (Nov 1 - Apr 30): Full-price ticket 100 RMB/person |
1. Tickets require real-name reservation in advance through official channels. 2. Concession policies (for students, disabled persons, active military personnel, etc.) are subject to the latest official announcements; valid ID required. 3. Separate tickets (usually 10 RMB) are required for visiting the Golden Roofs and the Treasure Museum. |
| Opening Hours | Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 16:00 (last entry at 15:00) Reservation Time: Must be reserved at least 1 day in advance via the official platform. |
1. Hours may adjust due to season, weather, or special events; please confirm before your visit. 2. The full visit takes approximately 2-3 hours. A one-way route is enforced inside the palace. |
| Transportation | Bus: Take routes 8, 13, 17, 24, etc., and get off at "Baita Station" or "Yaowangshan Market Station," then walk. Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient from anywhere within Lhasa city. Walking: About a 20-30 minute walk from Barkhor Street or the Jokhang Temple. |
The Potala Palace is centrally located with convenient transport. The entrance is on the southeast side; access is via the main gate (South Gate) after security check. |
| Reservation Method | Online Reservation: Make a real-name reservation via the WeChat mini-program "Potala Palace Ticket Booking System" (tickets for the next day are released at 7:00 AM, one day prior). Special Cases: Some tourist service centers may offer on-site reservation assistance, but advance online booking is highly recommended. |
Accurate name and ID number are required for reservation. The original second-generation ID card matching the reservation info must be presented for entry. |
| Important Notes | 1. Visitor Limits & Time Slots: Daily visitor numbers are limited. Visitors must pass the first gate (Stele without Inscriptions) within their reserved time slot and purchase tickets at the second gate (Ticket Office). 2. Dress Code: Dress modestly. Shorts, short skirts, and slippers are not permitted inside. 3. Prohibitions: Photography and videography are prohibited inside the halls (allowed on outdoor platforms and the square). Do not touch cultural relics or murals. No loud noise. 4. Altitude Sickness: The visit involves climbing many steps. Proceed according to your physical condition, walk slowly, and consider preparing altitude sickness medication or oxygen. 5. Strict Security Check: Liquids, lighters, knives, and other prohibited items are not allowed. |
Please strictly adhere to all palace regulations and respect religious beliefs and cultural customs. |
References
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa:
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/707/ - Potala Palace Official Website (provides official announcements, historical and cultural information):
http://www.potalapalace.cn/ - China Tibet Tourism Website (Official website of Tibet Autonomous Region Tourism Development Department) - Potala Palace Scenic Area Introduction:
http://www.xizang.gov.cn/zwgk/zww/lyyou/202109/t20210926_264152.html
Comments (0)