Architectural Features of Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, located on the side of Marpo Ri ('Red Mountain') in the center of Lhasa Valley, has a surprisingly altitude of 3,700 m. The palace occupies the whole width of the mountain. Although it was designed as a fortress, the palace looks totally different: the huge walls are sloping inward, many beautiful windows stand in lines on the wall, and the roof are flat but with different levels. Walls and gates surround a large space in which there are great porticos. The way to the peak of the rock is paved by many easy-to-climb staircases that are only cut by some gentle ascent.

The central buildings of the palace stand much higher above its satellites from all the four directions. Like those on the Jokhang, those higher buildings end in gilt canopies. This central Potala, also called the "red palace" for its distinguishing crimson colour, contains the principal halls and chapels and shrines of past Dalai Lamas. The paintings inside are highly decorated by ornaments like jewelled work, carving, etc.

The Potala Palace is also the model for many other temples in the region. For instance, the Chinese Putuo Zongcheng Temple was built according to its style. The palace is also famous for its role as one of the "New Seven Wonders" named by the American television show Good Morning America and newspaper USA Today.

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