- Tibet Map Lhasa

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China Destination Guide - Lhasa

Lhasa is an astonishing city and a must see in China if you are able to visit the spiritual land of Tibet. The setting, the history, architecture and the contrasts all make a trip here well worth the time, expense and relative discomfort of high altitude. Tibet is rarely out of the news and little of the news is good but it really is one of these places you need to come and see yourself to make your own mind up.

What there is to see...

The Potala Palace once home to the Dalai Lama and one of the architectural wonders of the world.
Barkhor and Barkhor Square area is a pilgrimage circuit (called a Kora) and is a mass of people from all over Tibet.
The Jokhang Temple, a 1,300 year old place of worship and the spiritual centre of Tibet. It's rooftop offers magnificent views over old Lhasa.
The Potala Kora which encircles the Potala Palace is a fascinating mixture of exotic people, market and religious worship - all to the scent of incense.

Best time to Visit Lhasa

From March right through to the end of October is the best time to visit Lhasa. From November to February it is cold and there are few visitors but don't let that stop you as it can be a good time to see local people who come to the city from all over Tibet to escape the worst of the winter if they can.

Best reason to visit Lhasa

Where to start! The Potala Palace is one of the world's most extraordinary buildings. However, it is just one part of the puzzle that is Lhasa, a city which is a mix of a deeply religious nomadic culture rubbing shoulders with new China and that is fascinating.

Our last word on Lhasa

Visit as soon as you can. Lhasa, and to a lesser extent the rest of Tibet is changing fast. The best way to get to Lhasa is by the Tibet train from either Beijing or Shanghai. An amazing journey in itself but the train is also the agent of the rapid change.