拉萨 日光城 雪域高原上的圣地
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Lhasa Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
Today's Lhasa weather forcast
Lhasa Seasons
Influenced by the Indian monsoon, Lhasa has a Mild Climate throughout the year.
Lhasa is free of frigid winters and unbearably hot summers.
Rainy Season - The air is extremely dry throughout most of the year except during the summer Rainy Season (July-August).
Steeped in mysticism, Lhasa is an ocean of culture, a world of clouds, mountains and colors...
Busy markets, sweet incense and flowing yellow robes all greet you as you take your first step into the "holy land."
Top 4 Lhasa Attractions
1 Potala Palace - The model of Tibetan architecture, its massive, beautiful yet forbidding structure is a gigantic undertaking...
2 Jokhang Temple - Holiest site in Tibet and ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists...
3 Barkhor Streetn - The most representative ancient street, where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble...
4 Sera Temple - Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals...
Lhasa History
Lhasa has a history of over 1,300 years. Far from the Yarlung valley, where many Tibetan kings were customarily buried, emperor Songtsen Gampo founded Lhasa as Royal camp site around 633AD.
Early Period
In the seventh century, Songtsen Gampo unified Tibet and moved the centre of political power from Shannan to the site of present-day Lhasa - pastureland at the time - and founded the powerful, slave-owning Tubo Kingdom. He also built the Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple and the first Potala Palace.
With the adoption and rise of Buddhism, the number of pilgrims rose steadily. Hotels, shops, homes and administrative centers sprung up around the Jokhang Temple, forming the circular street known as the Barkhor. As Buddhism flourished, the Tibetan people started to call the city Lhasa, which means the "holy city" or "place of the Buddha".
Later
In the mid-17th century, the Qing emperor authorized the Fifth Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso, to consolidate his political and religious power, with Lhasa as the centre of government.
The Potala Palace was rebuilt to a height of thirteen storeys - almost 120 metres - and became the residence of the Dalai Lamas, seat of their political and religious rule and a landmark on the Lhasa skyline.
It was in the 17th century that Lhasa first started to evolve into a city. Official residences, mansions, guesthouses and shops were built flanking the Barkhor, but on a small scale.
Modern Time
As late as 1906, there was only a small residential area near the Jokhang. The city had expanded by 1935, when the Snow Village residential district was built in front of the Potala.
But by 1950, Lhasa still had a population of only 30,000 and covered less than three square kilometres, with dirt roads and no sewers.
It was later that the process of urbanisation really started to take hold. By 1975, Lhasa covered 18 square kilometres and had a population of 100,000.
Nowadays
According to statistics from the city government's website, Lhasa is now 18 times the size it was in 1959, with a quarter of a million people living in the urban area (100,000 of those migrants). Today the sight of the Potala Palace, perched on top of the Red Mountain, heralds the travellers arrival in Lhasa.
Lhasa Food
Tibetan Dishes
Tibetan Staple Food - The staple food of Tibetan people is Zanba, a kind of dough made with roasted highland qingke barley flour and yak butter with water. This is either rolled into noodles or made into steamed dumplings called momos.
Tibetan Meat - In the winter, beef and mutton are cut into long stripes to be air-dried in the circular ground caves or bins walled with stones or dungs.
Buttered Tea - It is the typical Tibetan drink, favorable to all Tibetan people. It is made of boiled brick tea and ghee. Ghee, which looks like butter, is a kind of dairy product of fat abstracted from cow milk or sheep milk.
Featured Lhasa Restaurants
Potala Amorous-feeling Restaurant
Eclectic mix of Tibet, Chinese, Nepail food and Western food.
Add 127 Beijing Dong Lu
Tel 633 6664
Snow Palace Restaurant of Tibetan Style
Specializes in Tibetan local snack.
Add West of Potala Square
Tel 633 5866
Lhasa Bakuo Coffee House
Add 2/F south of Jokhang Plaza
Tel 634 7567
Lhasa Entertainment
Shopping
Be sure to buy whatever practical items you need in Lhasa, before you leave for more remote towns.This unique land captured in its crafts and goods certainly won't disappoint!
Tibetan Thangkas - It is a kind of painting done on flat surface but which can be rolled up when not required for display. The most common shape of a Thangka is the upright rectangular form.
Tibetan Medicine - A centuries-old traditional medical system that employs a complex approach to diagnosis, incorporating techniques such as pulse analysis and urinalysis, and utilizes behavior and dietary modification, etc.
Other Local Gifts - Other local gifts that are worthy of your consideration include wooden bowls, jewelry, jade, prayer wheels, carpets, tapestries, Tibetan boots and beads.
Where to Buy
Barkhor Street - is a more traditional Tibetan shopping market. Small shops and stalls on the street sell prayer flags, Buddha figures, conch-shell trumpets, rosaries, amulets, fur hats, horse bells, bridles, copper teapots, wooden bowls, inlaid knives, etc.
Lhasa Department Store - The largest and best known department store in Lhasa, which sells such practical items as cotton clothing, mugs, canned food, towels, and toothpaste, plus local handicrafts.
Nightlife
Watching singing & dancing - For your first visit to Lhasa, it is definitely worthwhile to watch a Tibetan singing and dancing show - called Langma opera in Tibetan.
Meeting friends at Bars - There are attractive bars in Lhasa for visitors' exotic flavors. Especially in the evening, foreigners like to choose a bar to meet friends and share their travel stories with each other.
Lhasa Map
Lhasa City Map
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Lhasa Attraction Map
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Lhasa Transportation
Get In
Railway - Five trains arrive at and depart from Lhasa railway station each day. The ticket costs 389 yuan for 'hard seat', or 813 yuan for a lower 'hard sleeper', 1262 yuan for a lower 'soft sleeper'.
Air - Flights in and out of Lhasa Airport directly link with 5 cities: Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Beijing, and Kathmandu.
Bus - Lhasa Long-distance Bus Station is located at the junction of Minzu Road and Jinzhuzhong Road.
Get Around
Mini-bus
Easy and convenient. Various lines will take you to Norbulingkha, Lhasa Long-distance Bus Station, Dreprung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
Fee 2 Yuan
Taxi
Taking a texi and you will go anywhere in the city. But if you want to go out of town, you'd better negotiate with the driver over the price.
Fee 10 Yuan
Potala Palace - The most valuable storehouse in Tibet, is famous for its grand buildings, complicated constructions, devotional atmosphere and splendid artworks, named as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World".
Jokhang Temple - Or "House of the Lord," standing broad and low in the heart of old Lhasa, is the holiest site in Tibet and the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists.
Sera Temple - It is one of the three famous temples in Lhasa, where scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found.
Norbulingka Park - Built in 1751 as the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, it contains some fabulous murals fusing Tibetan history and myth. Today this once forbidden palace is ideal for quite strolls and lazy afternoons.
Lhasa Highlights List
Natural Scene
Historical Site
Cultural Site
Shopping & Leisure
Lhasa Highlights
Ancient Tea Horse Road
Ancient Tea Horse Road is an ancient important commercial passage. Along the unpaved and rugged pathway, commodities like tea, salt and sugar flowed into Tibet. Meanwhile, horses, cows, furs, musk and other local products made their way to the outside world. It stretched across more than 4,000 kilometers mainly in Southwest China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
Lijiang Old Town
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Shangri-la
Lake Luguhu
Yak Meadow
Butterfly Spring
Dali Ancient City
Yufeng Lamastery
Dongba Valley
city highlights
Tibetan Ethnic Group
This is an ethnic group of mystery and religion, a land with passionate people, a place of songs, dances and delicious food; This is Tibetan ethnic group. The Tibetans with a population of 5,416,021 mostly live in the Tibet Autonomous Region. There are also Tibetan communities in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway
A high-altitude railway that connects Xining, Qinghai Province, to Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. The total length of Qingzang railway is 1956 km. Construction of the 815 km section between Xining and Golmud was completed by 1984.
Tibetan Thangkas
A Thangka is a painted or embroidered banner which was hung in a monastery or a family altar and carried by lamas in ceremonial processions. In Tibetan the word 'than' means flat and the suffix 'ka' stands for painting.
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism incorporates Madhyamika and Yogacara philosophy, Tantric symbolic rituals, Theravadin monastic discipline and the shamanistic features of the indigenous religion. Among its most unique characteristics are its system of reincarnating lamas and the vast number of deities in its pantheon.
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Sera Temple
Drepung Temple
Norbulingka Park
Songzanlin Temple
Tashilhunpo Temple
Temple of Universal Peace
Putuo Zongcheng Temple
Eight Outer Temples
Lama Temple- Tar Temple
Barkhor Street
Ramoche Temple
Ganden Temple
Temple of Universal Happiness
Wudangzhao Temple- Nietang Buddha
- Jiegu Temple
city highlights
Tibetan Food
More than a dozen years ago, before winter fell, Han cadres and workers in Lhasa were busy digging vegetable cellars to store the "Old Three Vegetables" - turnips, potatoes and Chinese cabbage, while Tibetans were busy purchasing and storing huge chunks of beef and mutton.
Tibetan Medicine
Tibetan medicine, one of the world's oldest ancient medical systems that began over 2,300 years ago, is a mix of science, art and philosophy that takes a holistic approach to health care.
Losar, Tibetan New Year
The most important holiday in Tibet is Losar, which celebrates the Tibetan New Year. The festival is marked with ancient rituals, the stage fights between good and evil, chanting and passing through the crowds with fire torches. This festival is full of music, dancing and merry-making.
Lhasa FAQ & Travelers's Tips
Weather
- What is the best season to visit Tibet?
- Is it too cold in wintertime to visit Lhasa?
- What clothes to wear when traveling there?
- What about the climate in Lhasa?
Transportation
Shopping
- Is it easy to get the cash money from ATMs in Tibet?
- Where can I buy the Tibetan carpets and textiles?
Travel
- How many temples/monasteries can we visit in the vicinity of in Lhasa?
- When is the Potala open?
- How long does it take by car to Gyantse, Shigatse?
- Is it possible to visit the Mt.Everest base camp?
- Do we need a special permit to visit Mt.Kailash?
Customs
Other Hints
- Do we need special visas to enter Tibet?
- How can I get a Tibet Travel Permit?
- Is a Tibet Travel Permit necessary to enter Lhasa?
- How can I have an independent travel?
- What to pack for Tibet tours?
- Do we get altitude sickness when we are in Lhasa?
- In Tibet, what is the difference between budget guesthouse, comfortable hotel and the best hotel?
- Is there heating and oxygen facility in the hotel rooms?
- How many populations in Lhasa?
- Can we fly to Lhasa from abroad directly?
- What about time in Lhasa?
- Something need to know about taking photos of Tibetans
- Tips for you to have a good tour in Tibet
What is the best season to visit Tibet?
Generally speaking, the period from April to October is the best time because of the pleasantly warm. But August is the rainy season. However, traveling in a winter tour can still be pleasant because of saving your tour budgets and avoiding the tourist crowds.
Also, Lhasa becomes alive with nomads and pilgrims during the winter season, especially during the Tibetan New Year Festival.
Is it too cold in wintertime to visit Lhasa?
Contrary to popular belief, wintertime is the perfect season to visit Lhasa as the summer rains have passed and it has averagely 10 hours of sunshine everyday!
What clothes to wear when traveling there?
Because of the fluctuations in temperature between daytime and evenings it is recommendable to wear clothes in layers, (E.g. sweaters, pullovers) which can be added or removed as temperature varies during the day. In winter, a warm windbreaker and stout, comfortable shoes are especially recommended.
What about climate in Lhasa?
Lhasa enjoys low humidity, moderate rainfall and an average of 10 hours of sunshine daily. With more than 3000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as the city of sunshine.
Spring and Autumn are dry, 10-20C at daytime and 0-5C at nighttime.Summer has some rainfall and is 15- 25C at daytime, 10C at nighttime. Sunlight is extremely intense. Sunscreen lotion, a salve for the lips and sunglasses are a must.
Contrary to popular belief, winter is magnificent time to visit Tibet. In Lhasa and it rarely snows in the Lhasa valley. Winter is very dry, 0-10c at daytime and 0-15minus C at nighttime.
How far is it from Lhasa to Ginger International Airpor?
It is 95kms.
Do many people speak English in Tibet?
Not many people speak English in Lhasa. The formal languages are Chinese and Tibetan. Therefore, an English/Chinese/Tibetan speaking guide is recommendable for sightseeing trips.
Is it easy to get the cash money from ATMs in Tibet?
Basically it is pretty hard to find ATMs in Tibet. The only place to get the cash money is from the local branches of Bank of China, Lhasa. For the sake of the convenience, it might be good to bring some cash money along the trip.
Where can I buy the Tibetan carpets and textiles?
Tibetan carpets and textiles are famous worldwide, but in recent years most "Tibetan" textiles have tended to come from Nepal or India rather than Tibet. So it is not easy to find the good traditional textiles. In particular you will need to look beyond the tourist trap shops in the Barkhor and by the Potala, where most of what is on sale has not been made in Tibet (or anywhere near!).
Two places where you can find authentic textiles are the Dropenling Handicrafts Center and the Tanva Carpet Workshop.
Dropenling is a project started by the Tibet Poverty Alleviation Fund a few years back: its store is near to the Mosque (follow the sign by the Makye Ame cafe, or look for leaflets and posters in cafes around town). It sells good Wangden carpets made in the villages around Lhasa and distinctive apron fabrics.
The Tanva workshop is a recently started venture in Nam village, on the road between Lhasa and the airport, using local handspun Tibetan wool and both traditional and contemporary designs. You can watch the carpet making process from start to finish and carpets can be bought in the showroom on site.
How many temples/monasteries can we visit in the vicinity of in Lhasa?
Lhasa has numerous temples and monasteries. The major temples/monasteries are Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple, Drepung Temple, Sera Temple and Ganden Temple.
When is the Potala open?
The Potala is open for the local public on Mondays and Thursdays. Usually, the Potala opens for tour groups also on other days of the week (except for Sundays).
How long does it take by car to Gyantse, Shigatse?
Gyantse is 270km and Shigatse is 360km from Lhasa. It is possible to drive to Gyantse in one day (6 hours), stay overnight and leave for Shigatse the next morning (2 hrs).
Is it possible to visit the Mt. Everest base camp?
Yes, local travel agencies organize trekking to the base camp. It is even possible to reach the camp by car (app.2 days from Lhasa).
Do we need a special permit to visit Mt. Kailash?
Yes. This can be applied for in Lhasa and usually takes no more than two days to issue. This permit can only be issued with a valid TAR-permit and P. R. China visa.
Are there any festival days in Tibet?
If possible, try to time your visit to Lhasa on one of the city's festivals. Pilgrims often flock to Lhasa at the time and the city takes on a colorful party atmosphere. The following Tibetan festivals are calculated according to the lunar calendar. Check before for the precise dates.
- Losar, Tibetan New Year(1st-3rd day of 1st lunar month):
It is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times when the peach tree was in blossom, it was considered as the starting of a new year. - Monlam(great prayer festival of Lhasa):
This is the greatest religious festivals in Tibet. Monks from the Three Great Monastery of Tibet assemble in Jokhang for prayer to Shakyamun's image as if it were the living Buddha. Pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet and donations are offered to the monks.
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Butter Oil Lantern Festival (February or March):
It's held on the 15th of the first lunar month. Huge yak-butter sculptures are placed around Lhasa's Barkhor circuit. - Tibetan Spring Ploughing Day (As per Tibet calendar 3rd March):
Tibetans at Neqoin Village, Doilungdeqen County in rural Lhasa donned festive clothes on March 3, the fourth day after the Tibetan New Year, to celebrate the "Spring Ploughing Day." - Gyantse Damma Festival (As per Tibet calendar from 10th-27th April):
The Gyantse Damma Festival has a history of more than 500 years. From April 10 to 27 of Tibetan calendar, Gongsang Raopa held the worship and recreational activities to memorize his father. Activities include the display of Buddha Portrait, sorcerer's dance in a trance, wrestling and bearing contest. - Saga dawa festival (May or June):
It is the holiest in Tibet, there memorable occasions coincide on this day, buddha's birth and buddha's enlightenment. Almost every person within Lhasa join in circumambulations round the city and spend their late afternoon on picnic at "dzongyab lukahng" park at the foot of potala. - Gyantse horse race & archery (May or June):
Contests in early times included horse race, archery, and shooting on gallop followed by a few days' entertainment or picnicking. Presently ball games, track and field events, folk songs and dances, barter trade are in addition to the above. - Changtang chachen horse race festival (10 august):
As the most important festival in north Tibet during the golden season on the grassland, thousand of herdsmen throng to nakchu riding fine horses, and carrying the local products. They form as city of tens south of nakchu town. There will be thrilling horse race, archery and demonstrations of horsemanship. Songs and dance troupes from all part of Tibet will add to the fun. - Shoton festival (august):
It is one of the major festivals in Tibet, also known as the Tibetan Opera Festival. - Ganden festival:
On the 15th day of the 6th Tibetan month, 25 precious articles belonging to ganden monastery, which are normally locked in their treasure house, are displayed in the main shrine hall. A grand offering ceremony accompanies the display. - Harvest festival (September):
The farmers in Lhasa, gyantse and shangnan to celebrating their bumeer harvest in this time. During that time, people enjoy with horse racing games, costume fashion show, songs and dance archery and picnic etc. - Bathing week:
It is believed when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky, the water in the river becomes purest and cure diseases. During its appearance for one week in the sky, all the people in Tibet go into the river for bathing. - Kungbu Traditional Festival (November or December):
Long time ago, when Tibet was in danger of large scale invasion, the Kongpo people sent out an army to defend their homeland. It was in September and the soldiers worried that they might miss the New Year, highland barley wine and other good things. So people had the Tibetan New Year on 1st October ahead of time. To memorize those brave soldiers Kongpo people present three sacrifices and stay up at night from then on. And now it has become the Kongpo Festival for entertainment like Kongpo dancing, horse race, archery and shooting. - Tibetan Fairy Maiden Festival (As per Tibet calendar 15th December):
December 15 marks the annual Tibetan Fairy Maiden Festival (Auspicious Goddess Festival). Tibetans gather in Lhasa around the Jokhang Monastery for presenting hadas to Auspicious Goddess.
- Losar, Tibetan New Year(1st-3rd day of 1st lunar month):
What need I bear in mind when traveling in Tibet?
Due to few communications with the outside world, Tibet keeps its own strong culture which is different from other parts of China. There are some tips for tourists travelling in Tibet to help to be aware of some cultural differences. Such as:
- It's impolite to enter some places near Jokhang Temple. Please ask permit with your body language if they cann't understand English first before approaching.
- No killing in the present of Tibetan people, including a fly.
Do we need special visas to enter Tibet?
No. A valid tourist visa for the People's Republic of China is enough. However, an additional TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) tourist permit-Permit Visa and an official guide accompanying with all sightseeing tour in Tibet is required. Tourist Permits to enter the Tibetan Autonomous Region can be issued through local travel agents.
How can I get a Tibet Travel Permit?
You must be on an organized tour in order for a Tibet Travel Permit to be issued, which is usually done about ten days prior to arrival in Tibet. You need to provide their travel agency with copy of valid passport and visa and also some additional information, so the travel agency can apply for the permit.
Is a Tibet Travel Permit necessary to enter Lhasa?
Yes. All non-Chinese passport holders and non-Chinese ID holders must have a Tibet Travel Permit. People who have Hong Kong passports and Macau passports do not need Tibet Travel Permits.
How can I have an independent travel?
At present, independent travels are strictly prohibited by Tibet local authorities. Traveling in Tibet need certain travel documents issued by the local Tibet government. Without the assistances of the local tour operators, the travelers cannot obtain the required travel documents. In order to avoid the foreseeable difficulties aroused by independent travels in Tibet, taking the tours coordinated by the local tour operators should be good alternatives.
What to pack for Tibet tours?
- Sunglasses, sun lotions, chapped stick, hat, layered clothing and down-filled coat (the sun is very strong during the day but the temperature drops at night).
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- High-calorie snacks like cookies, chocolate and candies also should be packed in advance.
Do we get altitude sickness when we are in Lhasa?
Lhasa is located on an altitude of 3600m above sea level. Most visitors experience some minor symptoms to get used to the thin air. Usually this will be over after a couple of days. Please refer to your own doctor for personal consultation.
In Tibet, what is the difference between budget guesthouse, comfortable hotel and the best hotel?
Burying in mind that hotels in Tibet concerning its facility and service are not what you imagine. Not like hotels in New York, or Beijing, or Hong Kong.
Budget guesthouse has a few kinds. One is the twin room with or without the bathroom in it. The other is triple, four-bed rooms, and more beds rooms named dormitory which all have no private bathroom in them.
Comfortable hotels refer to middle class hotels, or standard hotels regarding to its location, or price, or comprehensive service ability. They are usually three star hotels, or comparatively good 2 star hotels.
The best hotels are the 4 star hotels in Tibet. There are only three 4 star hotels in the capital city, Lhasa: Lhasa Manasarozar, HotelTibet Hotel VIP Tower, and Lhasa Hotel. The best hotels in the regions out of Lhasa are generally 3 star hotels, and in some places there are no star hotels.
Is there heating and oxygen facility in the hotel rooms?
Many hotels in Lhasa are equipped with central heating and oxygen.
How many populations in Lhasa?
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, has a population of 270,000 people. It is the biggest city in Tibet.
Can we fly to Lhasa from abroad directly?
Yes. During the high season (April-October) there are direct flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu (Nepal) two times a week. The other options are through Chengdu (P.R.C.).
What about time in Lhasa?
Although the People's Republic of China covers five time zones, only Beijing Standard Time is adopted for the entire country. Early starts of tours in Tibet often occur in the early morning darkness. This is done to allow arrival into a particular city in time to catch all the sights.
Something need to know about taking photos of Tibetans
It is always good to ask permission first. Tibetans are very friendly. However, it might arouse the upset feelings of local Tibetans by photo-taking without asking the permission first. In the Barkhor areas, sometimes they will ask you for money. But most of time it is ok to give them a little gift.
Tips for you to have a good tour in Tibet?
- There are many old houses in eastern City with low roofs and doors, e.g. the Post Office at eastern end of South Barkhor Street. Be attention not to hit your head when entering these houses.
- It is warm when walking on the street, but it would be cooler when staying in the shadow or in the house. Please bring with you a coat wherever you go.
- Walk clockwise around the Barkhor Street, especially during the rush hour of pilgrimage from 9 am to 6 pm.
- There are many beggars in the street. If you decide to donate, look around first to avoid be surrounded by crowds of beggars later. If you don't wish to give them a coin, just walk away and no one will complain you. When you can't get rid of them, reiterate "Ming du,"which means "no"in Tibetan language.
- Watch the dog when you are walking in the local residential areas.
- There are many WCs in Lhasa. You have to pay 0.2 Yuan entrance fee and 0.8 Yuan for tissue if you need one.
- There are many Shops for Showering in Lhasa. Price varies from 3 to 5 Yuan per person.
- There are many Internet Cafes around the Barkhor Areas. Price varies from 5 to 10 Yuan per room.
- If you are interested in collecting coins, you can find various patterns of coins of major countries exhibited in PotalaPalace.
Surrounded by jagged mountain, defined by Tibetan Buddhism...
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