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Potala Palace 101: Everything You Need to Know about the Lhasa Palace

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, also called Tse Potala, is a monumental structure that defines the Tibetan capital's skyline. And this UNESCO-listed marvel has many secrets and mysteries linked to it. In this article, we’ll try to reveal those and everything else you need to know about the Potala Palace before your first visit.

1. Where Is the Potala Palace?

The Potala Palace sits on Red Hill in central Lhasa, the autonomous province of Tibet in southwest China. The imposing dzong fortress stands 3,750 meters/12,300 feet above sea level. Its elevation makes it the world's highest palace.

The Potala Palace in the center of Lhasa CityThe Potala Palace in the center of Lhasa City

2. When Was the Potala Palace Built?

The iconic structure's origins go back as far as the 7th century AD. The Red Palace standing at the top was commissioned by Emperor Songtsen Gampo, the founder of the Tibetan Empire, and built in 631. The 5th Dalai Lama commissioned the eastern part of the White Palace in the 17th century. Extensions followed in the next three centuries.

3. Why Was the Lhasa Palace Built?

This is one of the biggest mysteries of the Potala Palace. A legend states that Songtsen Gampo built it to welcome his bride princess Wengcheng of the Chinese Tang dynasty. But it's unlikely since the emperor was just 6 years old. Some historical data suggest that the initial structure was a stronghold designed to repel potential invaders.

4. Why Is the Potala Palace Famous?

Besides being the world's highest palace, the dzong used to be Dalai Lama's longtime winter residence. It symbolizes the power and wisdom of the Tibetans and was the embodiment of political power in Tibet. Plus, the ancient fortification represents Tibetan Buddhism.

5. Who Lives in the Potala Palace Now?

No one lives in the grand fortress today as it has been the museum. In the past, Emperor Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wengcheng were some of its residents. With the rise of Dalai Lamas, the dzong became a winter residence of the highest authorities of Tibetan Buddhism until 1959.

The Private Room for the successive Dalai LamasThe yellow rooms at the top level of the Palace used to be the private rooms for the successive Dalai Lamas.

6. How Much Does Visiting the Potala Palace Cost?

The entrance fee to the Potala Palace depends on the season. If you visit Lhasa during the high tourist season from May to October, you'll pay 200 CNY/RMB (approximately 30 USD) for the Potala Palace. But if you come to Lhasa during the low season from November to April, the cost will be 100 CNY/RMB (around 15 USD).

The authorities limit the number of daily visitors to 2,300 to prevent overcrowding and keep museum exhibits undamaged. Thus, try to secure your ticket in advance if coming during the high season. Also, note that the allowed visit duration is one hour.

7. What Are the Colors of the Lhasa Palace?

The UNESCO-protected site features two dominant colors – red and white.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the red color symbolizes dignity, virtue, fortune, wisdom, and achievement. It also represents preservation and life force and used to be a place where Buddhism was studied.

White represents purity, learning, and knowledge, and those meditating upon it can turn ignorance into wisdom. The enormous White Palace was home to the Dalai Lamas. It also served as the former Tibetan government seat with assembly halls and other offices throughout its premises.

Golden roofs surrounding the Red Palace crown stupas of 7 Dalai Lamas. You'll also notice the black shading cow decorating the Potala Palace's walls. Woven from yak's hair, it's supposed to repel evil spirits. In Tibetan architecture, black window frames should combine with white walls.

the White Palace and the Red PalaceWhite and Red are the major two colors of the Potala Palace.

8. How Many Rooms Does the Potala Palace Have?

The answer to this question is inconclusive. While most sources indicate that the grand complex has more than 1,000 rooms, none pinpoints the exact number. The majority of the remaining sources state that the iconic Lhasa landmark has 1,000 or 999 rooms. Thus, the exact number of chambers remains one of the greatest mysteries of the grand complex.

9. What’s Inside the Potala Palace?

The awe-inspiring complex features dormitories, offices, assembly halls, stupas, and temples, among other facilities. You'll also navigate courtyards during your visit. Wood, stone, and granite are among the principal materials masons used in its construction.

The world's highest palace teems with cultural relics and boasts unique architecture. Yet, most travelers find Buddha statues, chapels, scroll paintings (thangkas), and murals its highlights.

Murals cover the surface of around 2,500 m2/26,900 ft2. One illustrating the marriage of Emperor Songsten Gampo and Princess Wencheng is among the most popular ones. Scroll paintings, which are an authentic Tibetan form of art, cover around 340 m2/3,660 ft2 and show religious customs and Buddha incarnations.

Wood, stone, and clay carvings and Dalai Lama stupas are other noteworthy works of art of the Tse Potala.

10. Is There an Underground Palace Beneath the Lhasa Castle?

The rumor that the fortress-like complex has an underground palace is another site mystery. According to Ding Changzheng, the secretary of the palace management, the UNESCO site has a well-built underground tunnel. It is still a mystery of the Potala Palace whether the tunnels lead to the mysterious underground world of Shangbala or not.

11. More Quick Facts About the Tse Potala

Masters painted the Potala Palace's walls with white paint made of milk, honey, sugar, and some herbs, including saffron. Tibetans paint the walls every year before the 22nd day of the 9th month of the Tibetan calendar.

To get to the Red Palace, you'll need to climb 365 steps from Potala Gate. And there is no elevator in the Palace. Please wear a pair of comfortable shoes for climbing.

Holes in the palace walls provided fresh air in the past. They became obsolete with the appearance of air-conditioners.

The Lhasa Palace's walls are 3 meters/10 feet thick, on average. The walls are 5 meters/16 feet thick at the palace base. The higher they go, the thinner they get.

The world's deepest toilet is north of the White Palace's Deyang building. It's over 60 meters/200 feet deep.

If you have come to the Potala Palace in Lhasa around 1978 or before, you'd found nothing outside of it. However, when you visit the Potala Palace now, you can enjoy a great view of downtown Lhasa from the Palace.

climb up to the Potala PalaceYou need to climb up to the Potala Palace.

Conclusion

Now you know the basics of the Potala Palace. And it's everything you need to know before your first visit. Headquartered in Lhasa, we are here to arrange the best Tibet tour at the best local price.

Master Kungga Dundruk

About the Author - Master Kungga Dundruk

The Lhasa-born prodigy used to study business overseas, and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997.

Responsible, considerate, and humorous, he devoted his entire life to guiding and serving international tourists traveling in Tibet. As a legendary Tibetan travel guru with 20-year pro guide experience. Currently, he is working in Tibet Vista as the Tour Operating Director. Whenever our clients run into trouble, he is your first call and will offer prompt support.

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