Lhasa, the "Holy City of the Snowy Domain," boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritage, magnificent natural scenery, and unique ethnic customs. Lhasa's tourist attractions each possess their unique charm, be it historical and cultural heritage, natural scenery, or ethnic customs, all of which leave visitors captivated and longing for more. I hope these brief introductions help you better understand the allure of Lhasa. Below are brief introductions to some of Lhasa's main tourist attractions and their distinctive features:

Lhasa’s Main History (≤100 words)
In the 7th century King Songtsen Gampo moved the capital to Lhasa, built the Jokhang and Potala Palace; Qing dynasty set up the Amban; peacefully liberated in 1951 and established as the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1960. Today it remains the heart of Tibetan Buddhism and administration.

Lhasa’s Latitude & Longitude
City centre: 29°36′ N, 91°06′ E.

Lhasa’s Total Area
29,518 km².

Lhasa’s Permanent Resident Population
≈ 866,000 (end-2023).

Number & Name of Lhasa Airport
1 civil airport: Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA).

Number & Names of Lhasa’s Main Railway Stations
2 principal stations: Lhasa Railway Station (Liuxin New District) and Lhasa South (mainly freight).

When Lhasa Opened Its Metro & How Many Lines Exist
No metro as of 2025; rail transit is planned. Public transport relies on buses and taxis.

Lhasa’s Geographic Position in China
South-eastern Tibet Autonomous Region, on the north bank of the Lhasa River (a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo), at 3,650 m above sea level in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Lhasa’s Geographic Features
High-altitude valley plain, encircled by mountains; the Lhasa River flows through the city from north-east to south-west.

Lhasa’s Climate Characteristics
Plateau temperate semi-arid monsoon: thin air, intense sunshine, large diurnal temperature range; annual sunshine >3,000 hours – the “City of Sunlight”.

Months of Lhasa’s Four Seasons
Spring: April–May
Summer: June–August
Autumn: September–October
Winter: November–March

Lhasa’s Annual Average Temperature
≈ 8.3 °C.

Lhasa’s Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 510 mm, concentrated June–September with frequent night rains.

Best Times to Visit Lhasa
May–October, when temperatures and oxygen levels are higher, scenery is at its best.

Lhasa’s Peak Tourist Seasons
July–September (summer holidays & cooler weather) and October Golden Week.

Major Tourist Attractions (≥5)
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Namtso Lake.

Main Shopping Streets & Locations
Barkhor Street (Barkhor, Chengguan District) and Yutuo Road Pedestrian Street (Yutuo Road, Chengguan District).

Signature Lhasa Specialties
Butter tea, tsampa, air-dried yak meat, chang (barley beer), Tibetan noodles, sweet tea.

Potala Palace: The Potala Palace, not only a symbol of Tibet but also the world's highest palace, was built in the 8th century during the reign of Songtsen Gampo. It combines a palace, fortress, and monastery, divided into the White Palace and Red Palace. It houses Buddhist statues, portraits of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, as well as the tombs of successive Dalai Lamas. The Potala Palace is not only a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhism but also a vital window into Tibetan history and culture.

Jokhang Temple: The Jokhang Temple, known as the "First Sacred Temple in Tibet," exhibits a fusion of architectural styles from Tang China, Tibet, Nepal, and India. With numerous halls, including the Maitreya Hall and Avalokiteshvara Hall, it is not only a pilgrimage destination for believers but also a prime spot for visitors to immerse themselves in Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

Namtso Lake: Namtso Lake, one of the highest large lakes in the world, is hailed as the "Lake of Heaven." Its breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere make it one of Tibet's three holiest lakes. Pilgrims flock here to circumambulate the lake for blessings, while tourists enjoy the breathtaking views and Tibetan culture.

Drepung Monastery: As one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Drepung Monastery is also the world's largest monastery. Its expansive white-walled buildings climb the mountain, showcasing an intricate layout. The monastery is rich in Buddhist cultural heritage and serves as a sanctuary for monks to study scriptures and practice esoteric Buddhism. Visitors can sense the profound religious atmosphere and unique architectural style here.

Barkhor Street: Barkhor Street, also known as the Eight-Angled Street, is Lhasa's famous prayer circuit and commercial hub. Preserving traditional architecture and lifestyles, it is the most characteristic and charming historical and cultural district in Lhasa. Here, tourists can savor authentic Tibetan cuisine, shop for handicrafts, and experience the rich Tibetan cultural ambiance.

Norbulingka (Norbulingka Park): Norbulingka, also known as Lhasa's Summer Palace, is the largest and most historic garden in Tibetan man-made landscapes. Dense forests, shady trees, palaces, temples, and lakes adorn the park. Visitors can stroll leisurely, admire the beautiful natural scenery, and marvel at the unique Tibetan architecture.

Pillar of the Medicine Buddha Viewpoint: The Pillar of the Medicine Buddha Viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of the Potala Palace. With an expansive view that encompasses the entire city and distant snow-capped mountains, it's also an excellent spot for sunrise viewing. Tourists can capture precious photographs with the Potala Palace as a backdrop.

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