The Potala Palace in Lhasa

The Potala Palace in Lhasa

Chinese Name: 布达拉宫
English Name: Potala Palace
Location: Located in the northern of Lhasa, adjacent to Jokhang Temple with 1.6 km and 1.5 km away from Barkhor Street
Admission Fee: 200 RMB
Opening Hours: 9:00~12:00; 15:30~16:30

The Potala Palace (布达拉宫) is located on Mount Marpori (玛布日山), also known as Red Mountain, in the northwest of Lhasa (拉萨), the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), People’s Republic of China. It was originally constructed in 631 AD by King Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布), the 33rd king of the Tibetan Empire (吐蕃). After the collapse of the Tibetan Empire, the palace suffered significant damage due to natural disasters and human conflicts. In 1645, the 5th Dalai Lama, with the support of the central Qing government, began rebuilding the Potala Palace to strengthen the political and religious power of the Ganden Phodrang (甘丹颇章) and continued its expansion, eventually forming the structure we see today.

The Potala Palace is designed in the form of a Buddhist mandala (坛城) and covers an area of over 360,000 square meters, with the main building area totaling 130,000 square meters. The palace has 13 stories and stands 117 meters tall. It houses a total of 1,267 rooms, including palaces, stupas, Buddhist halls, administrative offices, monastic schools, and monks’ quarters. The main structures consist of the White Palace (白宫), which served as the residence and administrative center for the Dalai Lama, and the Red Palace (红宫), which is dedicated to religious activities and serves as the resting place for the Dalai Lamas’ stupas.

In 1959, after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国), the Chinese government prioritized the repair and protection of the Potala Palace. The Palace underwent extensive renovations in 1988 and 2001. On March 4, 1961, the Potala Palace was listed as a key national cultural heritage site by the State Council of China (国务院). In 1994, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical Background

The Tang Dynasty and the Birth of the Potala Palace

During the Tang Dynasty (唐朝), the Chinese nation reached new heights in its development, with a vast territory and a complete governance system. The Tang dynasty’s inclusive policies brought together various ethnic groups, including the Xianbei (鲜卑), Turkic (突厥), Uighur (回纥), Tibetan (吐蕃), and others, consolidating the multi-ethnic unity of the Chinese empire. It was within this context that the Potala Palace came into being.

17th Century Reconstruction

The Potala Palace was originally known as the Red Mountain Palace (红山宫) and was first constructed in 631 AD during the rise of the Tibetan Empire. Under the leadership of King Songtsen Gampo, the palace was built to serve as the political center for the unified Tibetan kingdom. It included administrative areas, a law-making system, and governance structures. The palace complex was vast, surrounded by three walls and containing over 1,000 rooms. A silver-copper bridge connected the palaces of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng (文成公主), and outside the east gate was Songtsen Gampo’s horse-racing ground.

However, in the 9th century, after the collapse of the Tibetan Empire, the palace was severely damaged due to wars, fires, and lightning strikes. By the 17th century, the Potala Palace had shrunk significantly and was even integrated into the Jokhang Temple (大昭寺) as a branch. During the Yuan (元) and Ming (明) Dynasties, local powers such as the Sakya, Phagpa, and Rinpoche factions controlled Lhasa, and the Potala Palace was occupied by various ruling groups. By the Qing Dynasty, only the Dharma King’s meditation caves and the Holy Avalokiteshvara Temple remained intact.

The 5th Dalai Lama’s Role in Reconstruction

In 1645, under the support of the Qing Dynasty and possibly the help of Mongol Khagan Gushi Khan (固始汗), the 5th Dalai Lama began the reconstruction of the Potala Palace, particularly the White Palace and its surrounding walls and gates. The political and administrative center was moved from Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) to the Potala Palace. The Mongol soldiers helped transport construction materials and ensured the safety of the construction.

By 1648, the White Palace was completed, and over the years, the 5th Dalai Lama’s successors continued to expand the palace. The most significant construction occurred under the 5th Dalai Lama’s regent, who oversaw the building of five golden roofs and the expansion of the Red Palace. The palace was also used to house the stupas of each successive Dalai Lama.

Potala Palace Today

The Potala Palace today remains a symbol of Tibet’s religious, political, and cultural unity. It houses important religious and political relics, and it serves as the spiritual home of Tibetan Buddhism. The palace is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, offering breathtaking views of Lhasa and a deep insight into the religious and cultural practices of Tibet.

Opening Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours: 9:40 AM to 3:20 PM

Ticket Prices:

Line 1: 200 CNY (High Season), 100 CNY (Low Season)
Line 2: 100 CNY (High Season), 100 CNY (Low Season)

Notable Attractions

White Palace (白宫): The administrative and living quarters of the Dalai Lama.

Red Palace (红宫): The religious center and the burial site of the Dalai Lamas.

Area and Size

Total Area: 360,000 square meters

Building Area: 130,000 square meters

Architectural Layout

The Potala Palace (布达拉宫) is located on a rocky mountain, at an altitude of over 3,700 meters. Designed and constructed based on the Buddhist mandala (坛城) layout, the palace covers a total area of more than 360,000 square meters, with the building area alone being over 130,000 square meters. The main building rises 117 meters high and consists of 13 stories. It is a vast fortress-like complex comprising 1,267 rooms, which include palaces, stupas, Buddhist halls, administrative offices, monastic schools, and monks’ quarters.

The main building extends to both the east and west sides, connecting with tall palace walls. These walls are 6 meters high, with a base width of 4.4 meters and a top width of 2.8 meters, constructed using rammed earth and stone masonry. Each side of the walls features a three-story gateway, and in the southeast and northwest corners, there are corner towers. The entire area enclosed by these walls is part of the Potala Palace complex.

Inside the palace walls, the area in front of the mountain is known as “Snow City” (雪城), where the former Tibetan government’s administrative offices, such as the court, scripture printing house, and Tibetan military command, were located. Additionally, various palace support facilities, including workshops, stables, water supply stations, warehouses, and prisons, were also situated here.

Behind the mountain within the palace walls lies “Lhinka” (林卡), which contains a garden complex centered around the Dragon King Pond (龙王潭). The pond was created during the reconstruction of the Potala Palace by the 5th Dalai Lama (五世达赖), who excavated the area to create a deep pond. Later, the 6th Dalai Lama (六世达赖) constructed a three-story octagonal glazed pavilion at the center of the pond, where a statue of the Dragon King was placed, giving the pond its name.

On the right side of Mount Red (红山), there is Medicine King Mountain (药王山), which houses a Tibetan medical school built in the 17th century. At the southern side of the palace road, there is a commemorative stele titled “Dazalu Gong Ji Gong Bei” (达扎路恭纪功碑), erected by the Tibetan King Chitsong Dezan (赤松德赞) to commemorate his general Dazalu Gong for his military campaigns in the Tang Dynasty (唐朝).

Architectural Features

Location

The location of the Potala Palace was chosen with great care, as it sits atop Red Mountain (红山) in the central Lhasa River Valley. This location follows the traditional Tibetan geomantic principles, blending with the natural surroundings. The palace was not built with symmetry in mind but was instead designed to harmonize with the landscape, symbolizing a higher perspective on the world, looking down upon the human realm and providing spiritual solace.

Distinctive Architectural Style

The Potala Palace exhibits a distinct architectural style, employing principles of beauty in architecture such as unity, balance, symmetry, contrast, rhythm, proportion, scale, sequence, and color. These elements are reflected in the architectural composition, making the Potala Palace a visual masterpiece.

The use of contrasting colors, particularly the red and white hues, adds vibrancy to the structure. The red and white colors are the palace’s primary tones, while decorative elements stand out to symbolize the integration of religion and politics. The space within the palace is designed to move vertically, with the buildings of the Red Palace (红宫), White Palace (白宫), and the “snow” areas arranged in three distinct vertical levels. This layout corresponds to the Tibetan Buddhist concept of the “three realms” (三界) and aligns with Buddhist cosmology.

The decorative elements, such as the soft red edges of the walls and the large copper decorations embedded in the walls, create a striking contrast in color. The white walls and black trapezoidal window frames, paired with colorful fabric drapes on the eaves, give the building a dynamic and graceful look. These contrasts bring out the architectural beauty and rhythm of the entire structure, emphasizing the grandeur and holiness of the Potala Palace while offering an aesthetic pleasure to visitors.

Complete Architectural Layout

The layout of the Potala Palace reflects Tibetan aesthetic culture and religious sentiment. The spatial sequence of the palace, with its varied vertical levels, cascading slopes, and turning passages, creates a strong sense of rhythm. The mountain complex includes the Red Palace, White Palace, Zasha (僧舍, monks’ quarters), and four large fort-like structures. The varying heights and groupings of these buildings make the architectural form rich and diverse.

The Red Palace serves as the heart of the Potala Palace, controlling the entire structure. Surrounded by white buildings, it uses a bold red color as its primary tone, standing out even more under the intense sunlight of the plateau. The seven golden roofs on the flat top of the Red Palace further enrich the visual composition. The “Z”-shaped staircases leading up to the palace, with their red-bordered eaves walls, provide a striking contrast with the white palace walls. The rhythm of the continuous ascending and descending movements adds to the vibrancy and sense of flow within the palace.

Interior Layout and Decorations

The interior of the Potala Palace embodies the three aspects of Buddha: the body (sku), speech (gsung), and mind (thugs). The Buddha statues, murals, and thangkas inside represent the Buddha’s physical manifestation; the stupas (灵塔) symbolize his spiritual essence; and the scriptures (佛经) inside the palace represent his teachings. The palace houses tens of thousands of statues and murals, making it a treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhist art.

The main structures in the Red Palace house eight stupas, which are covered in gold, silver, and encrusted with precious jewels. While the exterior of the palace emphasizes its massive and imposing appearance, the interior layout of the Buddha statues, stupas, and murals is meticulously coordinated, creating a compact and harmonious religious space.

Cultural and Ethnic Fusion

The Potala Palace is an architectural marvel that blends Tibetan, Han, and Manchu (满洲) architectural techniques and aesthetic styles. Its grand appearance, with bright colors and distinct shapes, highlights the charm of Tibetan architecture. The golden, colorful roofs of the palace, constructed in a style that combines the hipped roof (歇山式) and spire (攒尖式), also reflect elements of Han architecture. The palace stands as a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture, a fusion of various ethnic traditions.

Integration of Nature and Architecture

The Potala Palace is harmoniously integrated with the mountain, its design and construction accounting for the unique sunlight patterns of the plateau. The foundation of the walls is wide and sturdy, supported by a system of underground tunnels and ventilation shafts. The interior of the palace features columns, beams, and wooden structures that help support the building. The floors and roofs are made from a hard soil called “Argga” (阿尔嘎), and each large hall and bedroom has skylights to allow natural light to filter in and regulate the airflow inside the palace.

Main Structures of the Potala Palace

The Potala Palace (布达拉宫) is primarily composed of the Red Palace (红宫), White Palace (白宫), four fortresses (四大堡), monks’ quarters (僧舍), and other significant areas such as the palace complex at the foot of the mountain (方城) and the Dragon King Pond (龙王潭) to the north. The core of the palace consists of the White and Red Palaces. The White Palace served as the residence and administrative center for the Dalai Lamas, while the Red Palace was dedicated to religious activities and the enshrinement of the Dalai Lamas’ stupas. The White Palace surrounds the Red Palace, reflecting the socio-political system of Tibet under the rule of the Dalai Lamas, where religious and political power were integrated. The White Palace predates the Red Palace in construction.

White Palace (白宫)

The White Palace served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and was also the administrative center of the former Tibetan government. It consists of seven floors. On the fourth floor, there is the largest hall of the White Palace, known as the Choying Yüanmen (措庆夏司西平措), which is a significant site for religious and political ceremonies such as the enthronement of the Dalai Lama. The fifth and sixth floors housed the office and living quarters for the regents. The seventh floor has two living quarters for the Dalai Lama during the winter, known as the Eastern and Western Daylight Palaces (东、西日光殿), as these rooms receive sunlight all day long.

The White Palace was built in the time of the 5th Dalai Lama (五世达赖喇嘛) and consists of three main sections: the mountaintop palace area, the Shol Palace (山前宫城), and the lake area behind the mountain (湖区). The mountaintop palace area was constructed near the ruins of the palace built during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布) and includes several halls such as De Yang Xia (东广乐殿) and De Yang Nu (西广乐殿). To enhance its defense, the White Palace is surrounded by four fortresses: Danma Jue (地神甬楼), Jiebu Jue (国王甬楼), Yujie Jue (凯旋甬楼), and Xiaqin Jue (东方甬楼).

The Eastern Daylight Palace (东日光殿) was expanded during the later years of the 13th Dalai Lama (十三世达赖喇嘛). It consists of several structures such as Xi Zuo Guangming Palace (喜足光明宫) and Yonggu Fude Palace (永固福德). The Western Daylight Palace (西日光殿) is the earlier living quarters for the Dalai Lama and is also located on the top floor of the White Palace. The spaces inside are luxurious, featuring gold teapots, jade bowls, fine brocade, and precious items used by the Dalai Lama.

The Choying Yuanmen (措庆夏司西平措) is the main hall of the White Palace, measuring 717 square meters. It is surrounded by 34 pillars and has religious stories and historical figures painted on its walls. The hall is also home to a throne for the Dalai Lama, where his enthronement ceremonies took place.

Red Palace (红宫)

The Red Palace is nearly square-shaped and rises to nine stories, with the lower four floors being built on the base of the mountain. The fifth floor houses the West Great Hall (西大殿司西平措), and the remaining floors contain the Stupa Hall (灵塔殿), Buddhist Halls (佛殿), and other religious spaces. The Red Palace serves as the religious heart of the Potala Palace. The West Great Hall (西大殿) is surrounded by several smaller Buddhist halls: the Bodhi Path Hall (菩提道次殿), Chiming Buddha Hall (持明佛殿), and Lama Family Hall (喇嘛世系殿). The Stupa Hall (灵塔殿) houses the stupa of the 5th Dalai Lama (五世达赖喇嘛), which is enshrined in the central part of the hall, extending from the floor to the ceiling.

Some of the buildings in the Red Palace are remnants of the original structures built during the Tibetan Empire (吐蕃时期), including the Fawang Cave (法王洞), which houses statues of historical figures like Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, Princess Chizun, and Lü Dongzan (松赞干布、文成公主、尺尊公主和禄东赞). These structures are among the oldest parts of the Potala Palace.

Notable Structures in the Red Palace

The West Great Hall (西大殿司西平措) is the largest hall in the Red Palace, measuring 725 square meters. It is where important Buddhist rituals are held, and it contains murals depicting the life and accomplishments of the 5th Dalai Lama. The murals also depict the famous meeting between the 5th Dalai Lama and the Qing Emperor Shunzhi (顺治帝). The hall contains valuable items such as the silk canopy presented by the Kangxi Emperor (康熙皇帝).

The Sacred Three Realms Hall (殊胜三界殿), also known as Sasang Longjie (萨松朗杰), is the highest hall in the Red Palace. It contains a memorial tablet inscribed with the phrase “Long Live the Current Emperor” (当今皇帝万岁万万岁) in Tibetan, Han, Manchu, and Mongolian, symbolizing the fusion of different ethnic cultures. The hall also houses a statue of Avalokiteshvara (观世音) created from 10,000 ounces of silver, presented by the 13th Dalai Lama (十三世达赖喇嘛).

The second floor of the Red Palace is known as the “Return Corridor” (画廓). This area contains 698 murals depicting the construction of the Red Palace, as well as scenes from Tibetan life, including horse racing, archery, and wrestling.

Affiliated Buildings

The Heir Apparent Hall (世袭殿 / 冲热拉康)

The first large hall visitors encounter when entering the Potala Palace from the rear mountain. It houses a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and a silver statue of the Fifth Dalai Lama, along with statues of various Dalai Lamas and Buddha figures.

The Fifth Dalai Lama’s Stupa Hall (五世达赖喇嘛灵塔殿 / 色东康)

One of the most important stupas in Tibet, constructed with over 300 kilograms of gold, housing sacred relics such as the bone of Shakyamuni and relics used by Tsongkhapa.

The Ringing Copper Hall (响铜殿 / 利马拉康)

This hall houses over 3,000 statues made of copper, including a golden Shakyamuni statue. It features sculptures from the Ming and Yongle periods.

The Bodhisattva Hall (菩提道次第殿 / 朗仁拉康)

This hall features the statues of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, and other Buddhist saints.

The King of Law Cave (法王洞 / 曲吉竹普)

A 7th-century building associated with Songtsen Gampo, where Tibetan Buddhists believe he meditated. It contains statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and other significant figures.

The Maitreya Buddha Hall (强巴佛殿 / 强康)

Mainly dedicated to Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha), this hall also displays several life-size statues, including figures of longevity.

Historical and Religious Importance

History and Legend of the Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, originally constructed in the 7th century, serves as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the political and religious center of Tibet. The name “Potala” is derived from the sacred Mount Potalaka, believed to be the residence of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Notable Figures

Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布): A revered Tibetan king who unified Tibet and built the first Potala Palace.
Princess Wencheng (文成公主): A Tang Dynasty princess who married Songtsen Gampo and brought essential items, including the Shakyamuni statue, to Tibet.
Fifth Dalai Lama (五世达赖喇嘛): A key figure in Tibetan Buddhism who contributed to the development of the current Potala Palace.

Architectural Marvel

Unique Integration of Palace and Monastery

The Potala Palace is an exceptional example of Tibetan architecture, combining both palace and monastic designs. It adapts seamlessly to the mountainous terrain, giving it a monumental yet harmonious appearance.

Preservation of Ancient Structures

The palace preserves much of its original structure, including designs, materials, and craftsmanship from as early as the 7th century.

Art and Culture

Murals and Thangka Paintings (壁画和唐卡)

The walls of the Potala Palace are adorned with murals and thangka paintings, depicting Buddhist history, the life of Tsongkhapa, and important historical events like the marriage of Princess Wencheng.

Ancient Texts (典籍)

The palace holds valuable collections of texts, including Sanskrit palm-leaf manuscripts, Tibetan texts, and political documents that reflect the religious and political history of Tibet.

Important Cultural Relics

Notable Relics in the Treasure Hall

Cracked Blue-Glazed Double-Handled Vase (粉青釉开片双耳瓶): 18th-19th century.

Blue-and-White Porcelain Plate with Bamboo and Pavilion Pattern (青花楼阁花竹纹大盘): 18th century.

Qianlong Period Fencai Bottle (乾隆粉彩葫芦瓶): 18th century.

Ruyi-Crane Pattern Trigram Teapot (青白玉夔龙乳钉寿字纹簋): A rare example of ancient jade craftsmanship.

Religious Practices and Restrictions

Etiquette During Visits

Visitors must observe all Tibetan Buddhist customs, including:

No hats: A sign of respect.

Appropriate attire: Women are advised not to wear short skirts.

Photography restrictions: Photography is prohibited in certain areas of the palace.

Cultural and National Symbol

The Potala Palace has been a key symbol of Tibetan culture and Chinese sovereignty, reflecting the harmonious integration of Tibetan and Han cultures. It showcases the political and economic exchanges that have taken place between Tibet and other Chinese regions.

Visiting Information

Location and Opening Hours

Located in Lhasa, Tibet, at 35 Beijing Middle Road, Lhasa (西藏自治区拉萨市城关区北京中路35号).
Opening hours: 9:40 AM to 3:20 PM.

Ticket Information

Tickets must be reserved in advance due to high demand, with seasonal price adjustments. Prices range from ¥100 to ¥200 depending on the season.

Accessibility

Lhasa is well-connected by air and road, with flights to and from cities like Chengdu, Beijing, and Kathmandu. Long-distance buses also operate to various Tibetan regions.