Day 01c Lhasa - Potala Square

Potala Square was created in 1995 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region. A large area of ramshackle Tibetan housing was razed to create the square. The square of course provides the best external view of the Potala.


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1. The Potala from the Potala Square. In the middle is the Red Palace. On the right is the White Palace, former living quarters of the Dalai Lama.


2. The stairs (the 'S' shape) below the Potala used to be the main entrance for visitors but is now closed. Entry is now by the car ramp on the left (not in photo) which leads to the back of the Potala (see the photo on Luklang park and Potala).


3. The White Palace of the Potala, the highest floor is the living quarters of the Dalai Lama and is open to public.


4. Potala, from eastern end of the square. As you can see, the major artery road of the city passes by the front of Potala, which unfortunately gives it a very modern setting.


5 & 6. Potala, from western end of the square.



7. Around the Potala Square are many modern buildings.


8. Tibetans on the Potala Square


9. The 37m high monolith constructed in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Tibet. It is said to be an abstract rendition of Everest