| As
the capital of Tibet, a country with over two-thousand years of
history, the word Lhasa means
"HOLY CITY", the "PLACE OF THE GODS." Tibet is holy to both
Hinduism and Buddhism. For Tibetans Lhasa is the most
sacred city in Tibet. Located here, just a few miles apart, both
the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple attract pilgrims from every
Tibetan region. Like making it to Mecca for Muslims, Lhasa is
every Tibetan's lifetime goal. Many prostrate themselves over
hundreds of miles, maybe even for years, to reach the holy city.
In witnessing their dedication and passion, their humble feet
ambling around the Barkhor kora, one cannot help marvel at their
determination to hold on to their beliefs, traditions and
culture. It's so easy to become enchanted with this place. See
Tibet Attractions or
Lhasa Day Trips |
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ROOF
OF THE WORLD
Also known as the "FORBIDDEN
CITY" due to it's remote location and traditional desire to stay
secluded from foreigners, Lhasa dates back hundreds of years. With impressive
religious artifices, and pilgrims meandering in the Tibetan
alleys of the old city, no one can deny the intrigue and
captivation that lures tourists by the thousands.
Lhasa, also
known at "THE CITY OF SUNSHINE" due to more than 3000 hours of
sunshine annually, is the
center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and
religious activities. It is situated at the foot of Mount
Gephel, on the north bank of Lhasa River, a tributary of
the Yarlung Tsangbo River, at an altitude of 12,139 feet
in the south central
part of what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and counts among one of
the highest cities in the world. |
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HISTORY
Before
discovery of this area by the Tibetan Empire more than 1300
years ago, this terrain was a high altitude, marshy wilderness
where antelopes roamed the range. Before civilization this land
was known as Wotang. Back in the 7th century AD, King Songtsen
Gampo,
transferred his capital to the area, after discovering it while
bathing in the Wotang River. His personal residence was
constructed on the Potala hilltop, overlooking the magnificent
mountains that rose to the sky from both sides of the river.
The king
conquered the whole Tibetan region and took five wives, one of
which was Princess Khri b'Tsun, or "Royal Lady" from Nepal, and
another Princess Wencheng of
the Imperial Tang Court. At that time in this new city, most
Tibetans lived in tents, not houses. There was a lot of
construction
needed to adapt the land to the desires of the new government.
Princess Wencheng insisted on a monastery to house her most
valuable dowry possession, a statue of Sakyamuni, the Buddha.
Thus the Ramoche Temple in Lhasa. Likewise the Napalese Princess
Khri b 'Tsun wished to build a monastery for her statue of
Sakyamuni, however when construction obstacles continued,
Princess Khri b 'Tsun asked Princess Wencheng for advice. She
told her, "Lhasa
is a like a Rakshas witch lying on her back, with the Wotang
Lake of Lhasa being her heart and water being her blood. Build the monastery on
top of the
lake and that will rid Lhasa of these evils." And so the temple
named Lhasa meaning "the Sacred Land" (now known as the
Jokhang)
was built.
These myths and stories, along
with dozens more, delight tourists as they walk back into the
timelessness of this awe-inspiring city. From calm alleys to
bustling markets and people still living in yesteryear, tourists
from around the world who are lucky enough to come while
traditions are still strong, leave with a new sense of the
world. Please note that
reports indicate that around 24 or 25 April 2002, demolitions
began on a building on the southeast corner where Dekyi Shar Lam
(Ch: Beijing Dong Lu) and "Snow land Street" meet. Disappointing
for tourists, the Beijing government's plans are to demolish the
entire block around this building complex, including an old
residence called Samding. The area concerned is the block beside
(immediately north of) the well-known tourist hotel "Snowlands,"
including a French restaurant opposite (east of) the Pentoc
Hotel and the Xiangbala Hotel. This block contains some
important old aristocrat buildings, such as Phunkhang and
Ganglha Metok and is one of the few remaining centers of
traditional Tibetan buildings. The area is approximately three
minutes walk from Jokhang Square, which is the historic centre
of Lhasa. The Tibetan quarter is shrinking rapidly.
more See
Tibetan Festivals for Lhasa's famous
celebrations, including the bright "Butter Lamp Festival" |
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