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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Asia
- China
- Lhasa
Lhasa
Lhasa is a holiday destination set in a marshy valley and
dominated by surrounding mountain peaks. It is the capital city of
the Tibet Autonomous Region and one of the highest cities in the
world, at an elevation of 12,000ft (3,658m). Lhasa has long been
the religious, cultural and political centre of Tibet, sheltered
from the harsh winds of the Tibetan plateau in a spot that has been
inhabited from at least 1500BC.
Today Lhasa has a population of more than 400,000. Being the
religious centre for Lamaist Buddhists since ancient times, flocks
of pilgrims have made their way to Lhasa over the centuries to
worship at the feet of the Dalai Lama. Now tourists on holiday are
following in their wake to explore the surrounding mountains and
investigate Tibet's unique culture and long history.
In 1959 Lhasa saw several days of warfare in a revolt against
communist reforms being imposed by the Chinese administration. The
Dalai Lama fled to India and communism was instituted in Tibet.
Many historic and religious buildings were destroyed, and Tibetan
traditional culture discouraged.
With political reform having taken root in China, however,
economic progress has reached Lhasa as well and the city is
currently enjoying a period of rapid modernisation, while retaining
its importance as a holy city for the realm of Lamaist Buddhism.
The remaining historic buildings are drawing more and more holiday
visitors to Lhasa.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are
hundreds of local dialects.
Money
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan
is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange
your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can
be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques,
preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in
cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger
hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners
will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit
cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments,
but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce
outside the main cities.
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