The Tibet Autonomous Region is known Worldwide as the Roof of the World for its
average elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level. Tibet is charming, with its
beautiful landscape, brilliant culture, and mysterious folklore.
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is located along the banks of
the Lhasa River, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River. It was the capital of
the Turpan Empire in the early 7th century. Lhasa ("sacred place") has abundant
sunshine; hence its reputation as the Solar City. It is a center of politics,
economy, transport, and religious activities. There are many places of interest
in Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace, and the Jokhang Monastery.

Attractions

Potala Palace
Built in the 7th century, the Potala palace is a renowned complex
of Chinese Palatial architecture and a crystallization of classical Tibetan
architecture, and it deserves its Position as part and parcel of the world's
cultural heritage. It spreads across an area of 410,000 square meters. Beginning
from the fifth Dalai Lama, the Potala has been a venue for major religious and
political ceremonies. It is the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas.

Jokhang Monastery  
The Jokhang Monastery, built in the year 647, is the earliest
wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. It is said that the plans of
the monastery were drawn by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. The inscribed
tablets as well as the willow trees planted by Princess Wencheng in the year 823
in front of the monastery are historical evidence of the union of the Han and
Tibetan peoples over the centuries.

Norpulingkha  
The Norpulingkha ("garden of treasures") is situated in the western suburbs of Lhasa.
It has served as the summer palace for Dalai Lamas.Barkhor Street  The traditional lifestyle
and appearance of Lhasa's Old City district are well preserved in Barkhor Street. Pilgrims
turn their prayer-wheels on the street, and visitors can get everything Tibetan they could hope for.

Other attractions
Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Pamoche Monastery, and Yamzho Yumco Lake.

Preparation for Visiting Tibet
Group visitors overseas are welcome to Tibet with a special Permission granted
by the travel agencies under the Tibetan Tourism Administration.


Domestic and Foreign Offices of the Tibetan Tourism Administration

Mt. Everest Travel Service
37th fl., New Era Center, 393 Jaffe Rd., Hong Kong
Tel: (00852) 838-3391
Fax:(00852) 834-1535 Correspondent:Deng Keping

Beijing Office
Rm. B1107, Poly Plaza, 14 South St., Dongzhemen, Beijing
Tel: (010) 6500-1188
Ext.3423, 6593-6538  
Fax:(010) 6593-6538

Xi'an Office
55 Youyi Rd,E., Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
Tel: (029) 526-1980  
Fax: (029)526-107-105  Correspondent:Yongqin Dedong

Chengdu Office
15 Tongkai Mansion, 76 Jianshe Rd.N., Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Tel: (028) 334-4866
Fax: (028) 335-9399 Correspondent:Liang Haihong

Nepal Office
P.O.Box 01147, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel:(00977) 1-410-411
Fax:(00977) 1-227-538 Correspondent:Ciduoji