Lhasa

Lhasa (Chinese and Tibetan)

Lhasa is the administrative capital and a prefecture-level city of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The city contains many culturally significant Tibetan Buddhist sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka palaces, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lhasa is situated near the Lhasa River, in the south-central part of Tibet, at an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), making it one of the highest cities in the world.

History

Lhasa's history dates back over a thousand years, and it has been the religious and administrative capital of Tibet since the mid-17th century. The city has been a center of politics, economy, culture, and religion in Tibet since the time of the fifth Dalai Lama, who moved the government to Lhasa after the construction of the Potala Palace.

Geography

Lhasa is located in the valley of the Lhasa River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It is surrounded by mountains with altitudes over 5,000 meters. The climate is a plateau temperate semi-arid monsoon climate, with limited rainfall, strong sunlight, and significant diurnal temperature variation.

Culture

Lhasa is a significant cultural and religious center in Tibet, with a rich heritage that reflects in its buildings, festivals, and arts. The city is renowned for its traditional Tibetan architecture and is home to many monks and pilgrims. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is the most important festival celebrated with grandeur in Lhasa.

Economy

The economy of Lhasa is diverse, with a focus on tourism, handicrafts, and agriculture. The development of tourism has been significant, with visitors drawn to its historic sites and natural beauty. The city also serves as a trading hub for Chinese and Tibetan goods.

Transportation

Lhasa is connected to the rest of China and neighboring regions through a network of highways, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and the Lhasa Gonggar Airport. This infrastructure supports the city's economy and tourism industry by facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Education

Lhasa hosts several institutions of higher education, including Tibet University, which is pivotal in the preservation and study of Tibetan culture and language.

See Also

• Tibetan Buddhism
• Dalai Lama
• Tibet Autonomous Region