Potala Palace becomes the first State 5A-class Scenic Spot in Tibet

Potala Palace was successfully approved as a State 5A-class scenic spot recently according to Tibet Tourism Bureau. It is reported that Potala Palace is the first State 5A-class Scenic Spot in Tibet.

Potala Palace is widely accepted as the most outstanding landmarks in Tibet. It has also been one of the must-visit scenic spots for tourists making a Tibet tour. According to statistics provided by the administrative office of Potala Palace, it received around 1.01 million visitors at home and abroad in 2012. It is reported that the government invested 0.2 billion RMB into the maintenance and repairing project of Potala Palace since 2002. The repaired Potala Palace has a maximum capacity of hundreds of visitors at the same time. For the protection of the ancient constructions in Potala Palace, the administrative office decided to carry out a restriction on the number of visitors during the peak season. It only receives 4000 visitors each day during the peak season.

The admission price of Potala Palace is quite different in the peak season and low season of Tibet tour. In the low season and shoulder season, the admission price of Potala Palace is 100 RMB per person. The price of the entrance ticket of Potala Palace would be increased from 100 RMB per person to 200 RMB per person. Generally, the period between June 1st and October 31st is regarded as the peak season while the period between November 1st and May 31st is regarded as the low season of Tibet tour. Potala Palace would be opened to tourists between 7:30 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. in the high season and would be opened to tourists from 9:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. in the low season.

Potala Palace has a long history which could be dated back to 1300 years ago. It is the highest magnificent palace above the sea level. It is praised as the Pearl on the Roof of the World not only for it integrated the palaces, castles and monasteries together but also stored rich historical and cultural relics. Potala Palace was originally constructed for Princess Wencheng of Chinese Tang Dynasty. Later, it acted as the winter residence of Dalai Lamas till 1959. Potala Palace was listed on the first batch of state key cultural protection unit in 1961 and was listed on the World Cultural Heritage in 1994. Take an overview of Potala Palace; tourists join the Lhasa tours would find Potala Palace is composed of the White Palace and Red Palace.

Potala Palace is respected as a holy place by the local Tibetans. A large number of tourists from faraway regions would come here for pilgrimage. Tourists visiting Potala Palace during the Tibet tour are highly advised to respect the traditions and taboos, such as visit the halls in Potala Palace clockwise. Besides, tourists are not advised to touch the historical relics without allowance. Photographing is always prohibited in Potala Palace since the glittering would do great harm to the precious historical treasures.