Geographical Location: It is located at No.35, Gongqian Lane, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Opening Hours: It is adjusted according to seasons. Generally, it is from 9:00 am to around 4:00 pm (entry stops at 16:00). You need to check the exact time in advance on the official website or relevant ticketing platforms.
Ticket Reservation
Tickets can be reserved through the official website or WeChat official account of Potala Palace. Tickets are in high demand during the peak season (usually from May to October), so it is recommended to make reservations in advance. Tickets can also be reserved on-site, but you may need to queue up early to wait.
Visiting Route and Precautions
Visiting Route: Start from the Wordless Tablet, pass through the Deyang Shar Square, and enter the White Palace. Visit the East Hall, Sunlight Hall, etc. in sequence, and then enter the Red Palace to visit various Buddhist halls, stupas halls, etc.
Precautions
When visiting, you need to follow the instructions of the staff. Do not touch cultural relics and murals at will.
Do not take photos in areas where photography is prohibited in the palace.
Since Potala Palace is built on a mountain, you need to walk a long flight of steps during the visit. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
Keep quiet during the visit and respect religious beliefs and cultural customs.
Recommended Surrounding Attractions
Barkhor Street: Not far from Potala Palace, it is a famous circumambulation path and commercial center in Lhasa. You can experience the strong Tibetan style here and buy characteristic souvenirs, etc.
Jokhang Temple: Located in Barkhor Street, it is a holy place for Tibetan Buddhist believers to worship. It has a unique architectural style and many cultural relics in the temple.
Food Guide in Lhasa (including around Potala Palace)
Traditional Tibetan Cuisine
Buttered Tea
Introduction: It is a characteristic Tibetan drink made from butter and strong tea. It has functions such as refreshing the mind and quenching thirst. It is usually eaten with Zanba, etc.
Recommended Shop: Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House. You can taste authentic buttered tea in a Tibetan-style environment and experience the living atmosphere of local residents.
Zanba
Introduction: It is one of the traditional staple foods of Tibetan herdsmen. The highland barley is fried and then ground into flour. When eating, mix it evenly with a small amount of buttered tea, cheese residue, sugar, etc., and knead it into a ball by hand.
Recommended Shop: Makye Ame Restaurant. You can taste Tibetan cuisine such as Zanba in a romantic atmosphere and experience the unique food culture.
Tibetan Yak Hot Pot
Introduction: With yak meat as the main ingredient, it is accompanied by various seasonal vegetables, mushrooms and other ingredients. The bottom of the pot is mostly a highland barley bone broth, with a delicious and rich taste.
Recommended Shop: Ganglameidu Tibetan Restaurant. The Tibetan Yak Hot Pot here has fresh ingredients and sufficient quantity, and you can taste the authentic Tibetan flavor.
Special Snacks
Highland Barley Wine
Introduction: It is a wine with a relatively low alcohol content brewed from highland barley. It has a sweet and sour taste and certain health care effects.
Recommended Shop: Some local taverns or Tibetan restaurants supply highland barley wine, such as Lamu Folk Tibetan Cuisine House, etc. You can have a drink while tasting Tibetan cuisine.
Yogurt
Introduction: The yogurt in Tibet is rich and thick, usually in original flavor. You can add sugar or honey according to your taste. It is helpful for digestion.
Recommended Shop: Ancient Tree Yogurt. It is located near Barkhor Street. Its yogurt has an excellent taste and there is a layer of yellow milk skin on top.
