As the world’s largest and most intact ancient castle-style complex located on the highest altitude, the Potala Palace is list as a National 5A Scenic Spot, the highest level scenic spot in China.
With grand stele commemorating the architectural achievements of ancient Tibetans, the Potala Palace is truly a cultural treasure on the Tibetan Plateau. In December 1994, the Potala Palace was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. In 2001, the Potala Palace was rated as a National 4A Scenic Spot. In January 2013, the Potala was listed as a National 5A Scenic Spot, becoming the first highest-level tourist attraction in Tibet. It is a must-visit site for tourists enjoying a Tibet tour.
The Potala Palace is a landmark of Lhasa and Tibet. Built along the southern slope of Red Hill, the Potala Palace forms a grand complex with the base much broader than the top. It was first built in the 7th century, but was later burned to the ground in times of war. It was rebuilt by the fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th century. Repeated repairs and expansions, as well as long-time protection finally brought the structure to its present scale.
The Potala Palace worked as the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas since the 7th century. It symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The complex, comprising the White and Red Palaces with their ancillary buildings, is built on Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley, at an altitude of 3,700m.
It is 360 meters long from the east to the west, 270 meters wide from the south to the north, with an area of 130,000 square meters. The Potala Palace is famous for its grand buildings, complicated constructions, special atmosphere and splendid artworks.
All together, there are 66 national 5A scenic spots and over 10 religious culture sites in the list including Potala Palace in Tibet, Hebei Chengde Summer Resort & its Surrounding Temples, Shanxi Wutai Mountain, Shanxi Datong Yungang Caves, Zhejiang Zhoushan Putuo Mountain, Anhui Jiuhua Mountain, Henan Longmen Caves, Sichuan Emei Mountain, Qingcheng Mountain-Dujiangyan Scenic Spot, Chongqing Dazu Caved Art Museum and Qinghai Tar Monastery.
The National 5A is the highest-level scenic quality assessing system and it has strict rules in traffic, tour, safety, sanitation and service.
.jpg "Tibetan Local Travel Agency")
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