¡@ 

      Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is known as the "Roof of the World." The city is aptly named because the average elevation is 4,000 meters above sea level. Lhasa is located along the banks of the Lhasa River, which provides a mirror image of the structures and surrounding landscape. The city was once capital of the Turpan Empire in the early 7th century. Lhasa is the hub of all political, economic, transportation, and religious activities. 

      Potola Palace was build in the 7th century. The Palace is traditional Tibetan architecture. The Palace was built by King Sonstsan Gambo of the Tubo Dynasty for his bride, the Han Princess Wen Cheng. It is comprised of 999 rooms, in addition to the original red tower. The palace complex is divided into two sections, the Red Palace and the White Palace. The White Palace served as the living quarters for the Dalai Lamas. The Red Palace houses eight funerary stupas of the Dalai Lamas covered in sheets of pure gold. The 13-story main building is 115,703 meters in height. Five of the palaces have bronze gilded tiles on their rooftops, which glisten in the rays of the sun. The Palace is also a repository of iron, bronze, gold, and silver artifacts from the Tubo Kingdom. With its impressive presence atop Huangshan Mountain rising above the lake, many Westerners have named it "Shangrila."

Jokhang Monastery was built in 647AD. It represents the earliest wood and masonry structure still in existence in Tibet. The monastery was built by King Songtsan Gambo to commemorate the arrival of Princess Wen Cheng's arrival in Tibet. The monastery covers an area of 25,000 square meters. It is four stories in height, and is topped with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is that of the Tang Dynasty with a synthesis of the styles of Nepal and India. In the main hall is a statue of Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng from Xian. The side halls contain statues of King Songtsan Gambo, Princess Wen Cheng, and the Nepalese Princess Chizun.

      Norbulingka Park is situated in the western section of Lhasa. Norbulingka means "Treasure Garden." It was built around 1740AD during the reign of the seventh Dalai Lama. It later became the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. The park covers an area of 36,000 square meters. More than half of the park is comprised of lush, dense forests. The remaining portion of the Park contains the Golden Palace, Sutra Hall and the New Palace, which were built in 1954.

      Barkhon Street is at the heart of Lhasa, and which features the traditional life style of the Tibetans. Pilgrims and prayer wheels surround Jokhang Monastery. The air resonates with the chanting of scriptures and incense. Along the street, the visitor can find ethnic handicrafts, prayer wheels, incense, jewelry, Tibetan boots, Nepalese biscuits, puffed rice, yak butter, and colorful clothing, which is indicative of the Tibetan culture. 

      Drepung Monastery is the largest and most affluent monastery in Tibet. The Monastery was founded in 1416AD by a disciple of Tsong Khapa. The fifth Dalai Lama expanded it and ruled from the Monastery while the Potala Palace was being constructed. The Monastery includes four colleges for the rigorous training of monks. The Monastery is comprised of halls, courtyards, painted galleries and chapels. The roof of the Main Assembly Hall houses Drepung¡¦s treasures.

¡@