About
Norbulingka Palace sits on Norbulingka Road in Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Its name in Chinese is 罗布林卡, and it is also known as the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. It was the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What you will find
The palace grounds are built around gardens and lakes, with a series of palaces constructed from the 1740s onwards. Walking through them gives a sense of how the residence was laid out as a place to spend the warmer months, with open green spaces set among the buildings.
Why it matters
Beyond its gardens, the site served as a centre of political activity, so a visit connects the scenery with the role the residence played in the life of Tibet's leaders. Visitors interested in the history of Lhasa will find it a useful place to understand that story.
Planning your visit
- Address: Norbulingka Road, Lhasa, Tibet 850000, China
- Phone: +86-891-6824568
- Best suited to: a slow, unhurried walk through gardens and historic buildings
Because the palace is one of the city's best-known historic sites, it fits well into a day exploring Lhasa, and it is worth checking the contact number before you travel for current visiting arrangements.
