City Info: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region

Lhasa, the capital of Tibetan Autonomous Region, has a history of more than 1,300 years. It is the political, economic, cultural and transport center of the region.

Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world, towering 3,600 meters above the banks of the Lhasa River. Lhasa is a religious center that amazes visitors with its breathtaking beauty and unique landscape.

Most of the historical sights here date back to the 1600s when the magnificent Potala Palace was built. The Potala dominates the skyline but Jokhang is considered to be the spiritual center of the city. Pilgrims flock to Lhasa to see and experience the remaining enclaves of tradition. The ancient city of Lhasa stands by the Lhasa River. Inside the city towers the Potala Palace. The city features a combination of traditional and modern things, including prayer wheels and computers.

For the adventurous traveler, Lhasa is a city of intrigue and there is more than enough to hold you here for a few days.

Population
0.4 Million

Cuisine
It is specialized with Chuan and Zang Style The local staples are tsampa (roasted barley bread), momo (dumplings filled with vegetables and meat) and thukpa (noodles with meat)

When to Go
Yangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with humid changeable wind; longer winters for about 4 months, summers 3 months and shorter springs and autumns, 2 months respectively. Spring is the prime time in Yangzhou.

Airport Info
Gonggar Airport is 98 km south of Lhasa city. Airport buses take tourists to the city soon after they arrive. It costs CNY 40 for a bus ride and takes about two hours. Taking a taxi costs CNY 250 to 300.

Accommodations

Main Scenic Spots

Excursions

Official Websites
Lhasa Municipal Government (Chinese Version Only)

The Network of Tibet (Tibet Tourist Bureau)

Useful Links
Tibetology

Tibet information center

Events & Festivals
Horse-Racing Festival
Dates: The last 10-day period of August (between the end of the seventh month and the early part of the eighth month of the Tibetan calendar)

Place: Nagqu Qiangtang and Gyantse in Tibet Activities: Horse races, archery, horsemanship and material exchange activities will be held.

Buddha Unfolding Festival
From 14th to 16th of the 5th Tibetan month, unbelievable giant Thangkas of Amitayus, Sakyamuni and Maitreya will be displayed on the monastery's wall successively. Thousands of pilgrims rush to the monastery to pay their offerings to the Buddhas and accumulate their merits. The tradition has lasted for 500 years.

Museum

The Tibet museum has a rich collection of cultural relics on Tibetan history and culture starting from the prehistoric period. The collection includes title-conferring documents issued in the feudal dynasties, imperial seals, gold albums and gifts.