Introduction to Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is located on the Red Mountain in the northwest of the city of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is a palace-fortress complex that was initially built by King Songtsen Gampo of the Tibetan Empire for the marriage of Princess Wencheng. After its reconstruction in the 17th century, it became the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the political and religious center of Tibet.
Architectural Features of Potala Palace
The architectural style of the Potala Palace blends Tibetan and Han Chinese elements. The main structure is divided into the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace served as the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and was also the location of the administrative offices of the former Tibetan government; the Red Palace primarily contains the tombs of the Dalai Lamas and various Buddhist chapels. The buildings are terraced up the mountain, with overlapping towers and grand halls, featuring solid granite walls, flat TAMO grass walls, and ornately decorated golden roofs, which create a strong decorative effect.
Scenery of Potala Palace
