Brief
Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt-about cities in the world. This is not only because of its remoteness, its high altitude at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) means limited accessibility, but also because of its impressive heritage of over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion. Differing from the inland cities and other places in Tibet, Lhasa is unique with an allure all of its own. In the Tibetan language, Lhasa means the Holy Land or the Buddha Land. It is the center of Tibet's politics, economy and culture. The city has also been appointed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China. The splendor and grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous symbol of the enigmatic power of politics and religion in this region.

Reasons to visit
Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region lies on the north bank of River Lhasa, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It is the center of Tibet’s political, economic, cultural and religious activities. There are many historic sites and famous relics in the city proper and its suburbs.

Potala Palace  
Lying on the Red Hill in Lhasa City, Potala Palace is regarded as the symbol of Lhasa, noted for its magnificent construction, complex structure, pious atmosphere and delicate artworks. Originally, the King Songtsen Gampo built it in the seventh century and later the Fifth Dalai Lama repaired it in 1645. Its present size was enlarged by the thirteenth Dalai Lama. Gradually, it has become the political center in Tibet and the seat of Dalai Lamas. It is mainly made up of the Red Palace and the White Palace and covers an area of about 25 acres.

Sera Monastery     
Being one of the monasteries in Lhasa City, the Sera Monastery is well known for its distinctive debating on Buddhist doctrines. When you come here, remember to watch it which is held every afternoon. Debating on Buddhist doctrines is a discussion on the understanding of Buddhism, and also an effective way to increase Lama's knowledge on Buddhist studies. During the debates, both sides engage in a war of words, and usually, they use body gestures to strengthen their ideas. The heated discussion deeply moves visitors. 
  
Norbulingka Park    
 It is a very picturesque garden built over 200 years ago. Norbulingka means 'Treasure Park' in Tibetan. Under the careful construction of the Dalai Lamas, the attractions inside the park include palaces, pavilions, villas and various trees and flowers. Especially, visitors here can admire the unique architectural styles from the different palaces, such as the Kelsang Potrang, the Tsokyil Potrang, the Golden Linka and the Takten Migyur Potrang. It is really a nice place to experience the Tibetan culture and have fun.

Jokhang Temple 
Situated in the center of Lhasa, the Jokhang Temple is a typical Tibetan Buddhist temple, which bears unparalleled status in the Tibetan Buddhism. Constructed in 647 during the Tang Dynasty, the Jokhang Temple was built as a memorial to the Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. As the oldest wooden complex of Tibet, the temple covers an area of over 25,100 square meters (6.2 acres). The main hall has four floors and a gold-plating roof, looking rather spectacular.

Barkhor Street    
A wonderful place for shopping in Lhasa is the Barkhor Street. At first, it was just the lodging area for pilgrims. Gradually, it became a trading center of the local people. Nowadays, merchants, pilgrims and travelers from the central plain of China, Mongolia, Bhutan, India and Nepal have made it a very prosperous street.

Shopping
Lhasa is definitely a shopper's paradise for local ethnic art crafts. Lhasa has a long history of making art crafts such as Thangka (Tangka), carpets, knives, hats, and Tibetan medicine.

Festive celebrations
Tibetan festivals have multiple origins and qualities. Although most of them are related to Buddhism. Ox festival starts from the 15th day of the 8th month in Tibetan year and usually lasts more than 10 days or even one month sometimes. During this process, people will ask “heiba”(wizard) to recite scriptures, play yak horn and kill tens of yaks or over 100 sheep, drinking freely and talking noisily. Butter Lamp festival falls on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the last day of Great Prayer Festival. In the daytime, people will go to monasteries to worship Buddhas and pray. At night, a lamp festival will be held on the Barkhor Street, where there will be lots of shelves filled with colorful and various images such as gods, figures, birds, animals, flowers and trees.Saka Dawa festival is also a traditional festival for Tibetan people. April in Tibetan calendar is Buddha Month, so it is called “Saka Dawa” in Tibetan. On this day,  Tibetans will dress themselves in their holiday best and assemble at the Dragon King Pool behind the magnificent Potala Palace to celebrate this grand religious festival.Ongkor is a festival for Tibetans to celebrate agricultural harvest once a year. “Ong” refers to field in Tibetan and “kor” rotating. So, “ongkor” is a transliteration, meaning walking round the field.