Norbulingka

Norbulingka means lovely garden in Tibetan. It is located at the western suburbs of Lhasa. It was praised as "Summer Palace of Lhasa" since it is the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. The Dalai Lamas would move to Norbulingka from Potala Palace. There are 374 rooms in Norbulingka. It is the most beautiful and largest artificial garden with most historical relics. It has been listed as a national key protective cultural relic.

Norbu Lingka – Architecture

Norbulingka is divided into three districts: the eastern courtyard, the middle palaces and the western natural forests. Tourists could see different landscapes in the three districts. The western part of Norbulingka is characterized by peaceful forests and the eastern part of Norbulingka is noted by palaces with golden roofs. Each district integrated the functional requirement with the natural environment.

The main palace of Norbulingka is a three-storey construction. The first floor was used for chanting Buddhism sculptures. The third floor acted as the reception center since Dalai Lamas would receive his officials here. The decoration of Norbulingka integrated the Tibet-style and the style of eastern China. Different landscapes were created with the help of the stones, lake and plants.

Norbulingka – History

Norbulingka was a wasteland till 1740. The minister of Chinese Qing Dynasty built a palace here for the Seventh Dalai Lama since he loved this place very much.

In 1751, the Seventh Dalai Lama – Galsang Gyaco built Galsang Pozhang Palace here as his summer resort. He would live here from April to September according to the Tibetan calendar.

The Eighth Dalai Lama expanded the complex on the base of Galsang Pozhang. He developed the natural pond into a lake and built the Dragon King Monastery and a palace in the center of the lake. He also constructed stone bridges on the lake.

Since then, the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas built their own palaces here too. Continuous expansions and in the past history, Norbulingka has developed to a large-scale and Tibet-style palace and garden.

From April to September according to the Tibetan calendar, Dalai Lamas would conducted political affairs and held various celebrations here. It gradually became the summer palace for the Dalai Lamas.

Norbulingka acts as a museum which demonstrates the history and culture of Tibet. It has been one of the most famous scenic spots in Lhasa. It attracted lot of tourists here, especially during the local festivals since the local people would come here to hold some celebration activities.