The Potala Palace
(china.com)The Tibet Autonomous Region,
considered by many throughout the world to be a mythical land, is the heart of
the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Southwest China. It neighbors India, Nepal, Sikkim,
Bhutan and Myanmar, to be south, and China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,
Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, to the north and east. The region is
unique, given its splendid landscape-including the snow-covered land-and its
local culture and customs.
The Potala
At 3,700 meters above sea level, the Potala covers 36,000 square meters of floor area and 13,000 square meters of construction area. The Potala for generations had been the winter palace for each incarnation of Dalai Lama, and the center for Tibet’s political and religious authorities. Beginning with the fifth Dalai Lama, important religious and political rituals were conducted at the palace. Cultural and historical relics have been kept at the Potala for more than 300 years.
The Temple of Dazhao
Located in the center of Lhasa, the temple was built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The statue of Sakyamuni was brought to the temple by Princess Wencheng when shi married the King of Tubo (the name of Tibet in Tang Dynasty).Many scholars believe there was the temple in the area before Lhasa as constructed.
Barkor Street
It is in the center of old Lhasa. Its traditional appearance remains today. The street, with a large number of shops and pilgrims, is flourishing. Various handicrafts―including joss sticks, knives, rings, bracelets and traditional costumes―can be seen everywhere.
Nyingchi
Namco Lake
(msxh.com)
Located in eastern Tibet, it is 2,900 meters above sea level. It has a rich supply of resources, and the environment is well protected. The snow lotus, which grows in frigid areas, and bananas and palm trees, are also common. The region differs significantly from other areas of Tibet. The climate, for example, is comfortable, with an average temperature above 0℃ in winter and 20℃ in summer. The Geba, Menba and Dengren minorities live in the area, and maintain their hunting and primitive lifestyles.
Namco Lake
More than 200 kilometers from Lhasa, Namco Lake is spacious. It is shaped like a crescent. There is a pasture on one side and snow-covered mountains on the other. The lake’s water is blue and clear. With an area of 1,920 square kilometers, Namco Lake is one of the Tibet’s three largest holy lakes.
