|
|
Brief Introduction to Lhasa |
Lhasa, located on the north bank of Lhasa River, the sub branch of Yarlung Tsangpu River, is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region of P.R.C. The average altitude is 3648 meters, and the average yearly temperature is 8.5? with 3021 hours of sunshine because of which it is named Sunshine City. Since as early as in 7 century when one of Tibetan Kings named Songtsan Ganpu in "Tobo" Dynasty switched his capital here, Lhasa has ever served as the center of Tibet politics, economy, culture, traffic andreligion,etc. There are 470'000 thousand inhabitants according to 2000 year's statistics, covering an areas of 441 square km in the city and 7 adjunctive counties. In1982 Lhasa was listed as one of the first historical famous cities By the Nation.
At present, roads from Lhasa stretch to every directions and flights, too. Now there are domestic flights to Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, Xining, Kunming, Chongqing, and international flights to Kathmandu Nepal(Air China flies this voyage). The roads leads to Xinjiang Autonomous Region in northwest, and to such provinces as Qinghai in the north, Sichuan in the east, Yunnan in southwest, and to Kathmandu Nepal in the west. The road condition is getting better and better. All those makes Lhasa as a hot place for tourists both from mainland China and abroad.
Potala Palace, built in 7th century, is the most beautiful splendor in Tibet. No one could tour in Tibet without visiting her. It is mainly divided into two parts and you have to climb up a few steps after driving up to a certain stage. At present, tickets for entrance should be bought one day ahead before the visit as 800 people could daily go inside of it just for the protection. For more pictures of Potala Palace.
http://www.tibet-china.org/picture_album/ chinese/palace/palace.html
To pilgrims, the first place of visit is Jokhang temple because it is the very center for Buddhists and Lhasa got its name due to her. It was also built in 7th century for the place of Holy statue of Lord Buddha. You could also buy some small souvenirs in Barchor Bazaar circling the temple after the visit. Here you could see some very religious people prostrating countless on the ground.
Drepung Monastry, built in 15th century is the largest one in Lhasa area. It once served as Dalai Lama's place before Potata Place. If you are a Buddhist, come here for a visit and you have to climb up countless stairs.
Sera Monastery was built 3 years later than Drepung. But it is famous for its protection god for Lhasa. Luckily you could see the line-up for visit the god as long as you could imagine, also the exciting debating situation of monks there. Recommend visiting The picture comes from:http://www.9tour.cn/ChinaDMS/346/Photo/index_15632.htm
Some other main sightseeing:
Tibet Museum:
Newly switched to a new place. If you only visit Lhasa, recommend visiting since after the visit, you will have a general idea of the whole Tibet.
Norbulinka:
Dalai Lamas' summer place and also the place in holidays for local people to put up tents for the enjoyment.
Gandan Monastery:
The first monastery belonged to Yellow Hat sect. It is 7o km away east of Lhasa and you could see the countryside views if you visit Lhasa city only.
Chubu Monastery:
It is of White sect and famous for Gampa Living Buddha, locating 70 km west of Lhasa. Countryside views are also good if you have visit there.
Yamdrok Lake:
Not belongs to Lhasa prefecture but near Lhasa than its prefecture. It is worth visiting since it is called turquoise lake because of its beautiful view.
Yangpacheng:
On the way to Namco Lake. 90 Km west Lhasa city. It is actually a ejection hot spring used for generating electricity if you do not want to spend one more day, come here to enjoy the grassland views.
Namco Lake:
The highest point in Lhasa prefecture with around 4718 meters altitude. You will spend one more day to visit it. The beautiful landscape of grassland, flocks of yaks, sheep and goats, and snow capped mountains, and the hot spring on the half way. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
