Potala Palace
布达拉宫 · Lhasa, Tibet, China
A landmark of faith on the snowy plateau, the pinnacle of Tibetan architecture.
Know before you go
- Don't point at monks or pilgrims
- always ask before photographing people
- don't point a finger directly at Buddha images
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Two builders: Songtsen Gampo and the Fifth Dalai Lama
In the 7th century Songtsen Gampo unified the Tibetan Plateau and moved his capital to Lhasa, and the first palace is said to have been built on Marpo Ri (Red Hill). A thousand years later, in 1645, the 5th Dalai Lama — revered as 'the Great Fifth' — on his advisers' recommendation chose Red Hill, between Drepung and Sera monasteries, as the centre of religious and political power and began building today's Potala Palace, moving into the White Palace in 1649. From then until 1959 it was the winter palace of successive Dalai Lamas.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Potala Palace was first built in the 7th century under Songtsen Gampo and greatly enlarged from 1645 under the Fifth Dalai Lama. The Red and White Palaces rise up Red Hill, their red and white walls and golden roofs striking against the highland sky. Long an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism, it holds a wealth of scriptures, murals, reliquary stupas and artefacts, and became a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Local customs
- Lhasa people walk prayer circuits, and on the Barkhor you see worshippers spinning hand prayer wheels all day
- Losar (Tibetan New Year) and the Shoton festival are major holidays. Butter tea, tsampa and sweet-tea houses are an important part of daily social life in Lhasa.
Religion & beliefs
- A holy site of Tibetan Buddhism: remove your hat, keep silent and walk clockwise in the halls
- don't touch Buddha images or ritual objects
- photography is forbidden inside the halls.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
China: don't get physical in a dispute
- Walk away from an argument and call the police if needed
- Pushing, shoving or fighting
Whoever starts it, taking part in a fight can bring a fine or detention, and the injured party usually demands compensation.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice
China: carry your original passport
- Foreign visitors should carry their original passport
- Carrying only a copy or photo of your passport
Police make random ID checks and do not accept printouts; if you cannot show your passport, you may be fined or detained.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't point at monks or pilgrims
- always ask before photographing people
- don't point a finger directly at Buddha images
- don't step on thresholds.
Locals appreciate DO
- Locals love drinking sweet tea and chatting in the sun
- Tibetan yoghurt and air-dried yak meat are popular.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Lhasa is at about 3,700 m, so rest for 1–2 days before sightseeing and bring altitude medication. Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance — very hard to get in peak season
- the palace stairs are steep, so go at your own pace. The viewing platform on Chakpori (Medicine King Hill) is the classic spot for a panorama. Check tickets and opening hours on the official website.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Butter tea
- Sweet tea
- Tibetan noodles
Butter tea (salty yak-butter tea), sweet tea (milk tea from Lhasa's sweet-tea houses), Tibetan noodles (in yak-meat broth), yak jerky / yak hotpot, tsampa (roasted-barley flour with butter tea)
| Where to eat | The Barkhor, Guangming Gangqiong sweet-tea house, Makye Ame (on the Barkhor), the restaurant district on Yutuo Road |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Around temples, respect the pilgrims circling and don't get in the way of those prostrating; don't be loud in Tibetan restaurants |
| Typical price per person | CNY 50–100 |
| Tips | When you first arrive on the plateau, eat light, drink little alcohol and drink plenty of sweet tea; butter tea is salty, so try a small sip first. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Assassas77 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Antoine Taveneaux · CC BY-SA 3.0
Luca Galuzzi (Lucag) · CC BY-SA 2.5
Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn) · CC BY 2.0
Sources & verification notes
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