Buzz
Potala Palace is situated in Lhasa, considered the capital of Tibet. Tibet is a sacred land known to many. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Potala annually. This structure holds immense historical and religious significance for Tibetans. Its remarkable architecture and intriguing stories surrounding it have attracted many visitors. To gain a deeper understanding of this destination, please read on!
About Potala Palace
Potala Palace stands at a height of 170 meters and is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level. It measures 360 meters from east to west and 270 meters from north to south. This structure is regarded as the most majestic and grand among the palaces in Tibet.
This landmark stands as one of the world's architectural wonders recognized by UNESCO. It truly is a sacred pilgrimage site befitting its title of World Heritage. Once you set foot in this region, it's unforgettable. You'll feel a profound sense of reverence and awe.
The palace stands majestically against the vast sky (Source: Collection)
This place was once the residence of the Dalai Lamas. However, by the 14th Dalai Lama's era, they had to exile to Dharamsala, India. Currently, this palace has become the National Museum of China. Potala holds numerous precious cultural, religious, and long-standing historical values. Alongside are invaluable treasures and many other human artistic masterpieces.
History of Potala Palace
The construction of Potala Palace dates back to 637. It marked the union of King Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng. The palace was nearly destroyed during the Middle Ages but was renovated and rebuilt around the 17th century.
The palace was reconstructed by the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. However, it took decades to complete the structure as it stands today. The exterior architecture took 3 years to finish, while the interior lasted a staggering 45 years.
This perspective captures the grandeur of the palace (Image Source: Collection)
Since then, Potala Palace has served as the residence and spiritual retreat for the Dalai Lamas. It's a sacred religious site highly revered by the Tibetan people. Locals seldom refer to it directly as Potala. They often call it the 'peak' or 'Potala Peak.' In 1959, the structure suffered minor damages due to the Tibetan uprising.
Distinctive Architecture of Potala Palace
Potala Palace is divided into three parts: the palace fortress at the front of the mountain, the palace halls atop the mountain peak, and the lake area behind the mountain. The palace fortress consists of three gates: the east gate, the south gate, and the west gate, along with two guardhouses. The guardhouses lead to the top of the palace, serving as administrative offices. These include printing houses, living quarters for monks, officials, and prisons...
The palace halls serve as the heart of Potala Palace. It can be said that this is the most crucial core part of the entire structure. Here, there are two main halls: the Red Hall and the White Hall. These two structures feature incredibly distinctive architecture. Exploring these locations will reveal many fascinating aspects.
Every line exudes an incredibly sacred, serene ambiance (Image Source: Collection)
The architecture of Potala Palace has influenced many places, such as the Putuo Zongcheng Temple in China, which draws inspiration from the rear portion of Potala. In India, there's the Leh Palace in Ladakh, which also mimics the architecture of Potala Palace.
A Few Notable Structures Inside and Outside Potala Palace
Once you set foot in Potala Palace, you must take the time to explore. Many ancient religious traces are still preserved there. Although it's not the same as before, the sacredness still pervades the atmosphere. Let's see what attractions are inside Potala Palace!
1. Red Hall
The Red Hall within Potala Palace is an architectural complex imbued with religious significance. It houses the tombs of 8 former Dalai Lamas, making it sacred and vital. It's called the Red Hall because the structure is deep red, symbolizing power according to Tibetan beliefs.
This place was crafted from earth, stone, and wood. In ancient times, there were no means of transportation, so these materials were carried by human and animal labor. The building comprises over 1,000 small rooms, 10,000 Buddhist shrines, and 20,000 carved statues. In the past, the Dalai Lama would reside in the upper chambers, separated from the common people.
The Red Hall is a prominent red building against the sky (Image Source: Collection)
Here lie the stupas containing the remains of the deceased Dalai Lamas. The lower part of the stupas is adorned with dazzling gold. The stupa of the 13th Dalai Lama stands at 21 meters tall, crafted from silver. It is adorned with turquoise on the top. Atop the Red Hall are 8 golden stupas symbolizing the 8 Dalai Lamas. Among them, one stupa is cast from 90,000 taels of gold.
The interior of the Red Hall of Potala Palace is adorned with rich decorations. It houses numerous carvings and precious jewelry. Both inside and outside the palace, there are many Buddha statues, pagodas, ancient bells, and golden mythical creatures.
2. White Hall
The White Hall surrounds the Red Hall, forming two wings. In the past, it served as the residence for the Lamas, specializing in daily activities. It features 698 murals and nearly 10,000 scrolls of paintings and sculptures. Most importantly, it holds a collection of valuable historical documents.
True to its name, the structure is made of stone walls plastered with white clay. The White Hall is considered a symbol of peace by Tibetans. The windows are designed as outward-facing panels, allowing for effective ventilation and natural light. The decoration style in this area is both solemn and magnificent.
The image of the White Hall enveloping the Red Hall is truly captivating (Image Source: Collection)
The Cuokin Building is the largest structure in the White Palace. Here, the Dalai Lamas often conduct religious and political ceremonies. There are also numerous Buddha halls, along with printing rooms for scriptures and storage libraries. In the past, Potala Palace was the center of the highest religious and political power in Tibet.
3. Winter Palace
The Winter Palace plays a significant role in the architecture of Potala Palace. Former Dalai Lamas used to reside here during the winter. The structure is known for its grand halls, buildings, and ornate assembly rooms. The interior is adorned with exquisite jewelry and numerous artistic masterpieces.
4. Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is situated near Potala Palace. It's known as an incredibly sacred temple, serving as the spiritual center for the Tibetan people. The temple was built in the 7th century, featuring characteristic Himalayan architecture.
Get ready for a lot of walking because you'll need it! (Image Source: Collection)
This is also one of the most beautiful and significant temples in Tibet. Tibetans often perform rituals and prayers here. So, if you're visiting Potala Palace, don't miss out on this place!
5. Norbulingka Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, also known as the Garden Palace, is where the Dalai Lamas retreat. It serves as the venue for summer activities and nature appreciation. Situated in a spacious area, it features beautiful, lush flower gardens. The exquisite architecture of the Summer Palace has attracted many tourists.
The Summer Palace with its tranquil scenery (Image Source: Collection)
Things to Remember When Visiting Potala Palace
If you're planning to visit Potala Palace, it's a good idea to consider some tips beforehand. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for you. Here are some small notes that Mytour wants to share with you.
Many tourists are eager to visit this sacred Buddhist structure (Image Source: Collection)
- Book Tickets in Advance. Potala Palace is often crowded with tourists, and visitor numbers are limited. Therefore, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance for a hassle-free journey.
- Visiting Hours. Potala Palace is open for 6 hours and accommodates a maximum of 2,300 visitors per day. Hence, plan your time wisely when visiting!
- Wear Appropriate Clothing for the Weather. Due to its high altitude, the weather here is very cold. Remember to bring a hat, warm clothes, scarf, and gloves!
- Adhere to the Palace Regulations. During the visit, pay attention to the regulations and instructions from the staff. This is a sacred place, so adherence to the rules is essential.
- Don't Forget to Bring Water and Snacks. Potala Palace is quite spacious, so you'll need to do a lot of walking. This will consume a lot of energy, so remember to bring water and some light snacks! However, remember to maintain cleanliness and not litter!
Above are some insights into the sacred and famous Potala Palace. This religious structure is a wonderful destination on your journey. You can visit here during your trip to China. If you need to book a tour to China, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
