Overview:

Potala Palace, located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, is a grand ancient palace and one of the world's most famous landmarks. Constructed in the 7th century, Potala Palace was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. The palace is a massive structure, encompassing a total of 13 stories, with a total of over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and some 200,000 statues. Situated on Marpo Ri Hill (“Red Hill”), at an altitude of more than 12,000 feet (3,600 meters), Potala Palace serves as the grand symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. The palace has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

The Potala Palace is a stunning Himalayan palace located in the city of Lhasa in China. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was the residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries. The vast complex dates back to the 7th century and is located on top of Red Mountain, offering stunning views of Lhasa and its surrounding landscape. The main attractions within the palace grounds are the Red Palace, White Palace, and several monumental sculptures and chortens. Other less visited sights include an armory, library, Tibetan medicine, an exquisite and expansive collection of Buddhist and Tibetan art, and an outdoor stupa. The Potala Palace is the most iconic symbol of Tibet and a must-see for any traveler in China. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, China is an iconic landmark and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. The building has been on the site since the 7th century when it was commissioned by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo as a palace for his new bride, the Chinese Princess Wenchen. The palace was built as a white and green five-story complex, making it one of the largest buildings in the world at the time. It functioned both as an imperial complex and as a monastery. In the 17th century, the fifth Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682), moved his court to the Potala Palace and it became the official residence of the Dalai Lama. He added several buildings including the red palace, which became the central retreat for meditation, and the golden roof and jeweled spire, which was the highest point of the palace and a symbol of the Lama's power. The Potala Palace was used as a winter residence for the 13th through the 16th Dalai Lamas, and played an important role in the culture and politics of Tibet. In 1959, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Today, the Potala Palace is a popular tourist destination in Lhasa, and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, providing insight into the culture and ancient history of the province. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Potala Palace in Lhasa, China, is the staggering residence of the Dalai Lama. It was constructed in the 7th century and has since served as the political and religious heart of the Tibetan government. 2. The palace consists of 13 stories featuring more than 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues. 3. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. 4. The Potala Palace was constructed using traditional materials including bricks made from earth and wood. 5. It is situated at an altitude of 3,700 metres and stands more than 117 feet high. 6. The palace grounds also feature a chapel, a hospital, and a garden. 7. Dashi Lhundup, the Fifth Dalai Lama, first planned and began the construction of the palace in 1645. 8. Potala Palace was severely damaged during religious purges and has subsequently undergone extensive renovations. 9. The most precious item stored in the palace is a preserved scalp of the Fifth Dalai Lama. 10. The roof of the Potala Palace is covered in gold and painted with traditional Buddhist symbols. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era