The magnificent Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, is another of China’s most recognisable historic structures. Built as a fortress and residence for the Dalai Lama, it was a centre of political and religious power for centuries and houses many of the religion’s most important treasures.
The Red Palace, the first of the two Potala Palaces, was built in the 17th century and houses the complex’s most important shrines. These can be found in the Enthronement Hall, which has murals depicting scenes from the lives of the Dalai Lamas and Tibetan kings on its walls. Other highlights of the Red Palace include its many vast halls devoted to religious teachings and a number of elaborate tombs (known as “stupas”).
The building also housed residences for senior lamas like instructors, regents, and others. The aristocratic order of monks had a large printing house and a seminary to instruct government officials. Thousands of gilded sculptures representing Tibet’s pantheon of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, saints, and demons are scattered throughout hundreds of intricately painted chapels, shrines, halls, and corridors.
The equally impressive White Palace was completed in 1648 and includes sleeping quarters, studies, and reception rooms, most of which have remained untouched since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959. Visit the magnificent Jewel Gardens while in Lhasa. These 90-acre gardens, which are part of the Dalai Lama’s summer residence, were established in the 1840s and include everything from grand palaces and pavilions to pleasant lakes.