Lhasa temples

The unique culture and long history makes Lhasa in Tibet a shining pearl on the snow-covered plateau. Being the Tibetan center of Buddhism throughout the centuries, Lhasa boasts row upon row of magnificent Buddhist buildings, including the well-known Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery.

[Photo source: Global Times]

Jokhang Temple

Located in the center of old Lhasa city, Jokhang Temple is the prime seat of the Gelugpa (Yellow) Branch of Tibetan Buddhism. Originally built in 647, the site of the temple was carefully chosen by the Tang (618-907) Princess Wen Cheng, the wife of the King Songtsan Gampo. She built the temple to counteract evil forces. 'Jokhang' means 'the House of Buddha'. The craftsmen from Tibet, other parts in China and Nepal built it together and so it features different architectural styles.

Jokhang Temple is a four-storey building complex. Its architectural style is a combination of the Tang Dynasty, Tibet and Nepal. Every year, a large number of prostrating Tibetan pilgrims and tourists at home and abroad go there pray or visit. The annual Great Prayer Festival, the ceremonies of initiation for the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are also held in the temple.

Chinese name: Da Zhao Si

Admission fee: 70 yuan

Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00

How to get there: visitors can walk, take three-wheeler or taxi to the downtown center in Lhasa.