General Introduction to Lhasa
Lhasa, the city of great wonders, is the remote abode of the Dalai Lamas. Every year, the city attracts numerous pilgrimages. Moreover, the city is the heart and soul of Tibet. Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, covers an area of 544 square kilometers, sits on the north bank of River Lhasa, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangbo River, at an altitude of 3,700 meters.It has a history of over 13 centuries. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as "the City of Sunshine". There are many historic sites and famous relics in and around Lhasa.
Though the modernization takes place here, the city keeps its ancient appearance. Potala, the icon of Lhasa, is a huge white-and-ochre fortress. Seeing from below, the palace is like merged with the skyline.
Lhasa is one of the world's highest cities. The city also enjoys the reputation as the Holy City. Today, the city still attracts tourists from all over the world and gives them a lifelong experience.
The Jokhang is located some 2km to the east. This is the real spiritual heart of the city as the most sacred temple in all Tibet. It is famous for its otherworldly mix of flickering butter lamps and wafting incense. You can see prostrating pilgrims in the temple and around region. Here is also the beginning point of the encircling Barkhor pilgrim circuit. Seeing such reverent people, one can hardly not fall in love with the city as a whole.
Today the city is divided into the old Tibetan quarter and a modern city. The new train line in the modern city brings large crowds of tourists. There are also new hotels, shops and supermarkets in this region. Lhasa now is under massive change every day. New buildings like the Shanghai stock market rise and some old ones fall.
Lhasa is also a cultural hybrid. Waling in the streets, you can see different peoples doing all kind of stuff. Due to Lhasa's significance, it is highly recommended that you spend at least on week here. The place will offer you fantastic sights and unforgettable experience.
