Verified Sacred Cultural Heritage Record
Historical & Spiritual Significance
The Potala Palace was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas for centuries and the spiritual and political centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Located at 3,700 metres altitude in Lhasa, it contains 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and countless religious artifacts, scroll paintings, and libraries. Named after Mount Potala (the abode of Avalokiteśvara), it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most architecturally impressive structures in Asia.
Current Activities & Pilgrimage
UNESCO World Heritage Site open to visitors; museum under Chinese government administration; major symbol of Tibetan Buddhist heritage.