About
The Potala Palace stands on a hill above Lhasa, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and it is the first thing many visitors see when they look across the city. Its address is 35 Beijing Middle Road, Lhasa. The palace is also known by its Chinese name, 布达拉宫.
It was once the former residence of the Dalai Lama, and it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 17th century, the palace rises thirteen stories and dominates the skyline of the city. Inside, its many rooms, chapels and collections of artifacts reflect the religious and political life that centred on it.
What a visit is like
Expect a visit that rewards slow walking. The building is large, so the route through its halls and chapels takes time, and the rooms are best seen with patience. Because the palace is so central to Lhasa, the surrounding streets and the views from the upper levels are part of the experience as much as the interiors themselves.
Planning your trip
- Location: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
- Address: 35 Beijing Middle Road, Lhasa, Tibet 850000
- Contact: +86-891-6824568
Because the palace is a working heritage site with a long religious history, it is worth checking current arrangements with the contact number above before you travel, and treating the chapels and halls with the quiet attention they deserve. For many visitors, the palace is the reason to come to Lhasa, and it pairs naturally with time spent exploring the city around it.
