China

Potala Palace

Potala Palace

Welcome to Lhasa, high in the mountains of Tibet! The Potala Palace rises up a steep hillside in tier after tier of white and deep red walls, 13 stories tall.

Why is it famous?

It is one of the highest ancient palaces in the world, sitting more than 3,700 meters above sea level.

It was once the winter home of the Dalai Lama and the center of Tibetan government.

How was it built?

Construction began in 1645 on top of an even older palace site dating back to around 637 CE.

Builders poured copper into the foundations to help it survive earthquakes, and its stone walls are up to 5 meters thick at the base.

Amazing facts

The palace contains more than 1,000 rooms and around 10,000 small shrines inside.

It holds about 200,000 statues collected over centuries.

Quick facts

  • The palace contains more than 1,000 rooms and around 10,000 small shrines inside.
  • It holds about 200,000 statues collected over centuries.
  • The Dalai Lama and his government moved into the palace in 1649.
  • The palace is split into the White Palace, used for daily life, and the Red Palace, used for religious ceremonies.