1.Brief Introduction
Tibet, the Roof of the World, the mysterious Buddhist holy place for centuries, is "The Land of Gods" in Tibetan.It is locked away in its mountain fastness of Himalayas,and has exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the west.Lhasa is famous for being one of the highest cities in the world.
As the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt-about cities in the world. Its high altitude is at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), its impressive heritage of over a thousand years that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion. Lhasa means the Holy Land or the Buddha Land. It is the center of Tibet's politics, economy and culture. The city has also been appointed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China. The splendor and grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous symbol of the enigmatic power of politics and religion in this region.
2.Local Culture
Lhasa has many historic relics, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Zhebang Temple, Drepung Monastery and Norbulingka.
The city of Lhasa contains three concentric paths used by pilgrims to walk around the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit-the Nangkor (Nang-skor), the Barkor (Bar-skor), The Lingkor.
There are some cultural considerations you should better to pay attention to when you travel in Tibet.
1. Do not photo them without permission. The larger monasteries charge photography fees.
2. . Don't take photos during a prayer meeting.
3. Don't touch or remove anything on an altar.
4 Always circumambulate gompas and other religious objects clockwise, thus keeping shrines .
5.Don't smoke in a monastery. Don't wear short skirts in a monastery.
6. Take your hat off when you go into a chapel.
7. Don't wear short skirts in a monastery.
8. Do not eat dog, donkey and horse in Tibet.
9. Be aware that Tibetans often gesture with their lips to show a direction.
3. Shopping and FoodPopular things to buy here are carpets, daggers, jewelry, aprons and hats, all of which can be found in the famous Barkhor Street. The standard of restaurants and cooking here has vastly improved in recent years and Tibetan food is becoming increasingly popular .The local staples are momo (dumplings filled with vegetables and meat), tsampa (roasted barley bread), and thukpa (noodles with meat).
The most popular area to search around is the Tibetan quarter near Barkhor Square. Tashi Restaurant, Kailah Restaurant, the Third Eye Restaurant, the Alougang Restaurant and the Snowland Restaurant are all good places to sample some of Tibet's more unusual cuisine.
4.Entertainment
There are many bars and pubs around the Barkhor Street. Many international and Chinese tourists will come to bars for the night
5.Transportation
Most foreign travelers arrive in Tibet by plane. From China, Gonggar Airport is 98 km south of Lhasa city.
The new Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world. its highest point is 5072m (16,640 feet) above sea level, at Tanggula Pass. As of the 1st July 2006, trains to Lhasa run from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou and Xining. Trains from Shanghai and Guangzhou should also be available soon. There are also direct trains to Lhasa from Lanzhou and Xining.
Land cruisers have the capacity for up to five travelers, along with the mandatory guide. Taking mini-bus is the cheapest way to get around in the city. The fare is 2 Yuan no matter how far you go. Man-powered tricycles running on the streets are very interesting sights. If you want one, just wave your hands. Riding a tricycle is a good way to enjoy the appearance of the city. Before getting on it, don't forget to negotiate for the price.
6.Climate
1.Lhasa lies at 29°41.76′N 91°9.54′E in an area known as the "Lhasa Valley"; even though the average altitude of the valley is well over 3,000 m (10,000 ft) the mountains around it rise to 5,500 m (18,000 ft).
2.The air is thin, Synthesis and Properties of Low-oxygen.
3.Sunny and rich radialization .
7. Attractions
Low temperature and the temperature changes daily.The average temperature in north Tibet is about -２℃,in south Tibet is ８℃,in southeast Tibet is about 10℃.
The Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, listed on Chinese national key protected cultural relics, is the most valuable storehouse in Tibet. It is a huge treasure for materials and articles of Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts. The Palace is widely known for the precious sculptures, murals, scripture, Buddha figures, antiques, and religious jewelry ,they are of great cultural and artistic value. In 1994, the Potala Palace was declared the United Nations World Cultural Heritage site. Placed on the Marpo Ri Hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, it is the greatest monumental structure in Tibet.
Barkhor Street
The Barkhor is the oldest street in Lhasa as well as the center of old Lhasa. It is a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts are assembled.
The Jokhang Temple
Constructed in the 7th century AD to house the statues of Buddha that princesses Bhrikuti from Nepal and Wen Cheng from Tang Dynasty China brought as gifts for their future husband, King Songtsan Gampo. The temple, a splendid four-floor building facing west under a gilded rooftop, is located on Barkhor Square in the center of the old section of Lhasa.
Sera Monastery
It is known as one of the three greatest monasteries of Tibet.It is here that the monks "famous daily debates" take place.
Lake Yamdrok
Situated on the way from Lhasa to Gyangtze, Lake Yamdrok one of the four holy lakes of the Tibetan people.It is the old route from Lhasa to Shigatse. The bus travels up a 4794M high mountain, the journey is really breathtaking since the bus drives right on the edge of the cliff. But all these will be rewarded when you suddenly find yourself on the top of the mountain and the stunningly beautiful blue lake under the other side of the peak.
