Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital and administrative center of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is located in the Lhasa River valley on the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, at an altitude of about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). The city is the historic and spiritual heart of Tibet and remains a major center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Historically, Lhasa has served as the seat of Tibetan government and religion for centuries. The Potala Palace, which began as a winter residence for the Dalai Lamas, and the Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred monasteries in Tibet, are among its most prominent landmarks. The Historic Centre of Lhasa, including Potala, Jokhang, and Barkhor Street, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The economy combines government administration, religious tourism, and traditional crafts. Lhasa functions as the region’s political, cultural, and educational hub, hosting institutions such as Tibet University. The city is connected by Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, which links Lhasa with Xining and other parts of China, supporting tourism and trade.

Climate is high-altitude and semi-arid, characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The population is predominantly Tibetan, with cultural and religious practices visible in daily life, festivals, monasteries, and markets.