Basic Facts of Lhasa:

Location: at the southwest of China, north bank of Lhasa River

Altitude: 3,650 meters

Area: 29,500 square kilometers

Population: 620,000
 

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, is also the economical and cultural center of Tibet. With an impressive heritage of culture and history, it has always been worshipped as the "sacred city" by the locals and travelers from all over the world. Presently, it is a melting spot gathering 30 or more ethnical minorities, including Tibetan, Han and Hui nationalities with the natives measuring 87%. Follow TOC to unveil the mysteries of this pure land.

Ever since Lhasa-Qinghai Railway began its career, this solitary land had just started to open his arms to embrace countless admirers from both home and abroad. Today, the transportation in Lhasa is soundly equipped with airplanes, trains and coaches outward as well as city buses, taxis, pedicabs and bicycles inward. As one saying goes that "without shopping, Lhasa trip will never achieve its completion", shopping in Lhasa is a great experience for folk culture exploration. With strong Tibetan-styled Tangka, costumes, ornaments and religious items, you can easily get the essence of Tibetan life. Never forget to have a taste of the local yummy cuisine, which is so different from other part of the world and so rich in ethnic highlights. Entertainment in Lhasa is also unique with a Tibetan flavor. Just lighten up and immerse yourself in a colorful and exciting carnival!

Sight spots in Lhasa cannot be more attractive. Some 13 centuries have blessed Lhasa with many tourist gems of global fame. Potala Palace, the splendid giant resting on the Red Hill, Jokhang Temple, a holy place dedicated to a statue of Sakyamuni, together with Norbulingka Summer Place are all UNESCO-endorsed attractions. Besides, the widely-known Drepung Monastery, Sero Monastery, Namtso Lake etc. also enjoy great popularity among people throughout the world. At the south fringe of the city, there sleeps Lhasa River, which endears herself to the locals as the "merry blue waves". It deftly winds through the snow-covered peaks and gullies of Nyainqentanglha Mountains and empties into Yarlung Zangbo River, leaving behind a string of amazing sceneries.

Join the designed Lhasa tours offered by TOC to dig deeper of this charming and graceful land. Words are too plain to describe its beauty, so come and experience all by yourself!