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- Destinations
- Asia
- China
- Tibet
- Potala Palace
Potala Palace
The vast Potala Palace stands on a clifftop above Lhasa,
considered the greatest achievement of Tibetan architecture. The
palace was originally built in the 7th century by the then emperor
for his bride. It was later partially destroyed by lightning, but
restored and extended in 1645 by the Fifth Dalai Lama when he
became political and religious leader of Tibet. The Fifth Dalai
Lama took up residence in the palace in 1653, and it remained the
Dalai Lamas' official residence until the exile of the 14th Dalai
Lama in 1959. The palace is renowned for its interior splendour. It
consists of two main sections: The White Palace is the secular
section containing offices, dormitories, a Buddhist seminary and
printing house. The Red Palace is the ornate sacred sanctuary
containing chapels where mummified remains of three Dalai Lamas
lay, and the Great West Hall, with its fine rich murals.
Information & Facts
Address
Moburi (Red) Mountain, Lhasa
Admission
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.
Opening Times
Daily 9:30am-1pm and 3pm-6pm.
Time