Lhasa denotes the sacred ground in the Tibetan dialect. Positioned on the north side of the Lhasa River, which is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, this renowned ancient city boasts a history spanning over 1400 years and an altitude of 3,650 meters. Lhasa is identified as the city of sunshine because it gets exposed to sunshine for more than 3,000 hours annually.
As the administrative capital of Tibet, Lhasa is the hub of the region’s political, economic, and cultural activities. Lhasa’s tourist attractions comprise various historical and scenic spots in its metropolitan and suburban areas, such as the world-famous Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, Sera, and Ganden Monasteries.
Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. It is located on the Lhasa River’s north bank in a valley of the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,490 meters (11,450 feet). Lhasa is known as the “Roof of the World” due to its high elevation.
Lhasa has a rich history that dates back over 1,300 years. It was originally a small town but gained importance when King Songtsen Gampo moved his capital there in the 7th century. The city also became the seat of the Dalai Lama in the 17th century and remained so until the current Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959. Lhasa is also home to several important religious sites, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace.
Lhasa’s history is as diverse as it is rich. In 1959, 28 Dzongs in the original Lhasa area were merged into Lhasa City, leading to several administrative divisions. Presently, the city is divided into three districts and five counties: Chengguan District, Dolung Dechen District, Taktse District, Damxung County, Linzhou (Lhundup) County, Nimu County, Qushui County, and Mozhugongka (Maldro Gongkar) County. Together, they span an impressive 29.64 million square kilometres.
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau lies Lhasa City, an enchanting destination that beckons to those seeking a taste of authentic Tibetan culture and natural splendour. As one of the first national historical and cultural cities, Lhasa, also known as Kyisho and the Sunlight City, is a place of immense historical significance and breathtaking beauty, officially recognized by the Chinese State Council as an international tourist city.
Lhasa City is nestled in the heart of the Tibet Autonomous Region, sharing borders with Linzhi City to the east, Shannan City to the south, Shigatse City to the west, and Nagqu City to the north. This strategic location has endowed Lhasa with not only stunning landscapes but also a rich tapestry of history, customs, and religious heritage.
Lhasa’s geography is a captivating blend of the high north and the low south. The central and southern regions comprise the Lhasa River’s alluvial plain, a Brahmaputra River tributary. Lhasa’s climate is characterized by an average annual temperature of 7.5°C, with the lowest temperature occurring in January at -8°C and the warmest in July, reaching 29°C in 2009. It falls within the plateau temperate zone semi-arid monsoon climate zone, characterized by thin air, low temperatures, significant daily temperature fluctuations, and dry, windy winters and springs.
Lhasa is a vital agricultural hub in Tibet, cultivating crops such as winter (spring) wheat, highland barley, rape, peas, broad beans, radishes, and potatoes. Livestock, including yaks, oxen, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, are also prominent. The region boasts rich mineral resources, featuring gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, zinc, coal, marble, limestone, quartz sand, sand tin, peat, and corundum.
The area’s diverse ecosystems host an array of wildlife, including leopards, bears, wolves, lynx, deer, wild asses, gazelle, blue sheep, Tibetan pheasants, and black-necked cranes. The local flora includes Cordyceps, Fritillaria, Codonopsis pilosula, and Snowdrop. Additionally, Lhasa is renowned for its crafts, such as card mats, carpets, waist knives, and gold and silver jewellery.
Lhasa is a sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, boasting over 200 tourist attractions and more than 30 key sites. The cultural landmarks include the iconic Potala Palace, the revered Jokhang Temple, the historic Drepung Monastery, and the serene Sera Monastery, among others. Natural wonders abound as well, with Namtso Lake in Damxung County, Riduo Hot Spring in Maldro Gongkar County, and Shongba Lachu Hot Spring in Dulong Dechen District, to name a few.
In its development, Lhasa has adopted a unique “one centre, two sites, and seven districts” tourist destination spatial system. This framework centres around Lhasa as the central city and establishes two sites for tourism development: the east-west and north-south Links. Furthermore, seven distinct tourist areas, each centred around regional capitals, showcase the remarkable cultural and ecological diversity of Tibet.
Lhasa offers a plethora of tourism projects to keep travellers enchanted. Whether you are drawn to the Potala Palace paintings, the awe-inspiring Jokhang Temple Sakyamuni Buddha, the serene Drepung Monastery Buddha, or the vibrant Barkhor Street decorations, you will find countless reasons to visit. The region’s unique features like the Namtso Holy Lake, Nyenchen Tanglha sacred mountain, Chakpori Mountain stone carvings, and YangpachenHot Spring ensure there is never a dull moment for those who embark on the journey to Lhasa.
Lhasa City is a gem waiting to be explored. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, it provides an unforgettable experience for every traveller. Whether you are a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a seeker of spiritual awakening, Lhasa has something for everyone.
