18.Lhasa Travel Guide

Lhasa Travel Guide

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Lhasa Travel Guide

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Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt-about cities in the world. This is not only because of its  high altitude at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) which  means remoteness and limited accessibility, but also because of its over 1,000 years' cultural and spiritual history which leaves an impressive heritage that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion.

Different from the inland cities and other places in that high land, Lhasa is unique with an allure all of its own. In the Tibetan language, Lhasa means the Holy Land or the Buddha Land. It is the center of Tibet's politics, economy and culture. The city has also been appointed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China. The splendor and grandeur of the Potala Palace remains a world-famous symbol of the enigmatic power of politics and religion in this region.

Potala Palace

As the beautiful capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Lhasa is situated in the South Central part of the region, on the North bank of the Kyichu River in a mountain-fringed valley. This ancient sprawling city, settled 1,300 years ago, covers 30,000 square kilometers (11,583 square miles), with a population of 400,000, of which 87 percent are Tibetans. The urban population is 180,000.

Generally the period from March to October is the best time to pay a visit. Since the city is located at such a high altitude it is wise to be prepared before starting your journey. Generally speaking, due to the large temperature differences during any given day, warm clothes should be taken to keep away the cold. However, because it also receives a great deal of sunshine, sunglasses, suntan oil, and a sun hat are indispensable items if you're going anywhere in the area.

Currently there are three options to reach this mysterious high land, by plane, by road and by train.

1. Taking plane is comfortable and time saving , but offers little time for you to acclimatise to the altitude; this may cause sickness.
2. Taking the bus along one of five highways that have been opened-up for visitors' use. This will take longer but will enable you to see the amazing scenery en route. Furthermore, taking extra time allows for a more gradual acclimatization to the altitude.
3. Taking the train, is a fabulous new option, giving the opportunity to see hitherto unseen mountain scenery. With the operation of Tibet Railway from July 1st, 2006, more and more visitors have swarmed into the land via train.

One word of warning: although there is a gradually increasing tourism industry in Lhasa, it is a city with many difficulties yet to be overcome due to its unique location and geography. Please bear in mind that a visit to this area is more challenging than in any other part of China.

Sera Monastery

Jokhang Temple

Despite this more and more people from every corner of the world are being attracted towards this vibrant city with its mysterious culture. Its unique scenery, long history, exotic culture, mystical religion and spectacular monuments will ensure your stay is unforgettable.

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Mysterious Lhasa Package: 4 Days Luxury & Cheap Itinerary Devout Buddhist Journey: 7 Days of Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse Tibet Impression: 12 Days Luxury Journey of Beijing - Xian - Lhasa - Shanghai Lhasa Discovery: 2-day Hiking Route                                                                                             More China Tour Packages

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