Discover Lhasa: The Spiritual and Cultural Heart of Tibet

Lhasa: A City of Ancient Wonders

The capital city of the Tibet, Lhasa is a place steeped in history and spirituality. Lhasa is located at the coordinates of 29.6°N latitude and 91.1°E longitude. Lhasa stands on the northern banks of the Lhasa River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, this ancient city is the epicenter of Tibet’s political, economic, cultural, and religious activities.

The Etymology and Historical Significance of Lhasa

In Tibetan, Lhasa means “holy land” or land of the gods. Various historical names such as ‘Ra-sa,’ Kyishoe’ and ‘Lhasa’ have identified the city. Songtsen Gampo, the founder of the Tubo Dynasty, established Lhasa as the capital in the 7th century after unifying Tibet by merging tribes from Yarlung. It played a crucial role in transforming Lhasa from a barren land into a prominent city. She founded significant temples like the Jokhang and Ramoche, around which the old city developed. The construction of the Potala Palace on Red Hill further enhanced Lhasa’s reputation as a distinguished highland city.

Administrative and Geographic Details

Lhasa governs 3 districts (Chengguan, Dagze, and Doilungdêqên) and 5 counties (Linzhou, Mozhugongka, Damxung, Qüxü, and Nyêmo). The city spans 277 kilometers east to west and 202 kilometers north to south, covering an area of 29,640 square kilometers. The city hall is located at 69 Jiangsu Avenue in Chengguan District. As of the end of 2022, Lhasa had a registered population of 581,200, with a permanent population of approximately 867,891.

Topography and Climate of Lhasa city

Lhasa’s topography slopes from east to west and is located at an altitude of 3,650 meters, making it one of the highest cities in the world. The central and southern parts are predominantly flat river valleys. The Nyenchên Tanglha Mountain Range, with peaks reaching up to 7,117 meters, stands about 100 kilometers north of Lhasa.

Lhasa’s climate falls under the category of a semi-arid monsoon climate typical of high-altitude plateaus. It earns the nickname “Sunlight City” due to receiving over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. The city experiences annual precipitation ranging from 200 to 510 mm, mainly in the form of night rains from June to September. Temperatures can vary significantly, from highs of 29°C to lows of -14°C, with a frost-free period lasting about 100 to 120 days.

Lhasa: A Fusion of Modernity and Traditional Excellence

Modernization of Lhasa

Today’s Lhasa has transformed into a burgeoning modern city, complete with industries like electricity, mining, building materials, printing, textiles, machinery repair, food processing, and arts and crafts. Boasting over 10,000 commercial outlets and advanced communication facilities. The city excels in research, education, healthcare, culture, sports, and financial services, showcasing its comprehensive development.

Famous Specialty Products of Lhasa

Lhasa is renowned for its unique souvenirs, art pieces, and Tibetan medicine, highly sought after in international markets. The city’s specialty products include ritual objects, Thangkas (Tibetan religious paintings), carpets, seat cushions, aprons, wooden bowls, traditional Tibetan knives, and gold and silver jewelry. These items not only reflect the rich cultural heritage of Tibet but also enjoy a strong demand globally.

Tibetan Medicine: A National Cultural Heritage

In 2006, Lhasa’s Northern Tibetan Medical Tradition of Mercury Purification and the preparation techniques of Renqing Changjor Tibetan medicine were listed as part of the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This technique represents the core and pinnacle of Tibetan medical production, encapsulating the essence of traditional Tibetan processing methods. It reflects the unique cognitive thinking, diagnostic methods, and medical practices of the Tibetan culture. In 2006, Nyima Tsering, the president of the Tibetan Medical College, was honored as the 13th generation inheritor of Tibetan medicine.

Lhasa: A Modern City with Rich Tibetan Heritage

Modern Infrastructure and Industry in Lhasa

Lhasa, the vibrant capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, has developed into a modern city with a diverse range of industries. It boasts modern utilities and facilities, including electricity, mining, construction materials, printing, textiles, machinery repair, food processing, and arts and crafts. The city is rich in commercial activities with over 10,000 business outlets. Its advanced communication infrastructure supports robust scientific research, education, healthcare, cultural sports, and financial services.

Famous Tibetan Products and Art

Lhasa is especially renowned for its unique souvenirs, art pieces, and traditional Tibetan medicine. The city’s famous products include ritual objects, thangkas, carpets, seat cushions, aprons, wooden bowls, traditional Tibetan knives, and exquisite gold and silver jewelry. These products are in high demand in the international market for their quality and cultural significance.

Tibetan Medicine: A National Treasure

Tibetan medicine, with a history of over a thousand years, comprises approximately 3,000 medicinal ingredients, predominantly sourced from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This medical tradition, with 360 commonly used medicines classified into eight natures, six tastes, and seventeen effects, is a key part of Tibetan heritage. In 2006, Tibetan medicine was inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing its importance and the contribution of key figures like Nyima Tsering, a prominent 13th generation Tibetan medicine practitioner.

Travel Tips for Visitors

When in Lhasa, the best place to shop for souvenirs is Barkhor Street. Visitors interested in religious objects can also visit the nearby Jokhang Temple for blessings by a Lama. Art lovers will find a plethora of options throughout Lhasa, although prices within tourist spots tend to be higher. For authentic Tibetan medicine, the best place to go is the Tibetan Medicine Hospital’s retail department opposite Jokhang Temple Square.

Tourist Transportation in Lhasa

Lhasa, Tibet’s transportation hub, is accessible by air, road, and rail. Travelers can fly into Lhasa from major cities like Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Shangri-La. Since July 2006, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway has offered a comfortable alternative to air travel, providing breathtaking scenic views along the way. The most adventurous but scenic route is by road, with five main routes including the Qinghai-Tibet, Sichuan-Tibet, Yunnan-Tibet, Xinjiang-Tibet, and China-Nepal highways.

Lhasa’s Airports and Flight Connections

Lhasa Gonggar Airport, the aviation hub of Tibet, operates flights to over 30 cities, including international destinations. Other airports in Tibet like Nyingchi Mainling, Qamdo Bamda, Ali Kunsha, Shigatse Peace, and Shigatse Tingri, serve as important nodes in Tibet’s air travel network. With over ten airlines operating in Tibet, the region has developed an extensive flight network connecting it to major cities across China and beyond.

Today’s Lhasa stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of ancient Tibetan traditions and modern advancements, offering a unique experience to visitors through its rich heritage, modern amenities, and efficient transportation network.

Exploring Lhasa: A Journey on the Roads of Tibet

Road Travel in Lhasa: A Cultural Insight

Traveling by road in Lhasa offers a direct way to understand local Tibetan life, its joys and sorrows. Lhasa now boasts a comprehensive road transportation network that radiates throughout the region, including 5 national highways, 15 main roads, and over 300 branch roads.

The Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109)

This highway stretches 1,999 kilometers from Xining, Qinghai to Lhasa, Tibet. The route, averaging an altitude of over 4,000 meters, is the highest and longest asphalt road in the world and the safest, most convenient route to Tibet. Travelers can witness diverse landscapes including grasslands, salt lakes, deserts, and mountains along the way.

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway

Constructed in 1950 and opened in 1954, this highway runs from Chengdu, Sichuan to Lhasa, Tibet. Part of National Highway 318, it’s known as “China’s most beautiful scenic route.” The highway splits into two routes at Xinduqiao: the Northern Route (2,412 km) and the Southern Route (2,140 km). Both routes offer breathtaking views, but the Southern Route is often preferred for its scenic beauty.

The Yunnan-Tibet Highway

Completed in 1974, this 1,625-kilometer highway connects the Sichuan-Tibet Highway’s Southern Route to the Kunming-Wanding Road. Traversing the ancient Tea Horse Road, it is the lowest altitude national highway in Tibet and offers a combination of diverse ethnic cultures and stunning highland scenery.

The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219)

Started in 1956 and opened in 1957, this 2,841-kilometer highway runs from Yecheng, Xinjiang to Lhasa, Tibet. It’s one of the highest roads in the world, offering views of the Kunlun Mountains and vast highland lakes.

The China-Nepal Highway

Spanning over 900 kilometers, this route starts in Kathmandu, Nepal, and enters Tibet through the Friendship Bridge in Zhangmu, reaching Lhasa. It’s a popular route for tourists traveling between Tibet and Nepal.

Travel Tips for Road Trips in Lhasa

Lhasa’s road network is extensive, connecting major cities and scenic spots in Tibet.
Private vehicles often compete with state-run buses, offering more flexibility.
Self-driving to Tibet is challenging but rewarding with stunning views.
Since 1994, transportation in Tibet has greatly improved, making travel easier and more accessible.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway (Xining-Lhasa) section has 45 stations and is known as China’s first “environmental railway.”

Lhasa Tourism Routes Lhasa offers six major tourism routes covering major attractions in Tibet, known as the “Golden Tourism Routes.”

Warm Tips for Travelers

The best seasons to visit Lhasa are summer and autumn.
Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury hotels.
Lhasa offers a variety of dining options, including Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian, and Korean cuisine.
Bars in Lhasa are a popular spot for international visitors.
Entertainment options include traditional Tibetan song halls and modern venues.
As of 2021, Lhasa has 167 intangible cultural heritage items and 221 inheritors, covering various cultural aspects.

Exploring Lhasa

by road opens up a world of cultural richness and scenic beauty. The city’s extensive road network, combined with its modern amenities and deep cultural heritage, offers travelers an unparalleled experience. Whether it’s through the breathtaking landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway or the cultural insights gained from a road trip on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Lhasa remains a destination of wonder and discovery. The city’s blend of ancient traditions, stunning natural scenery, and modern infrastructures makes it an ideal spot for both adventure and relaxation, offering an authentic taste of Tibetan life and heritage.