The 1300-year-old Jokhang Lamasery in the west of the old city proper of Lhasa is an architectural masterpiece that combines techniques of ancient Tibet with those of the Hans.

Standing at the center of Lhasa city, the monastery was built in 647 to commemorate Princess Wen Cheng's arrival in Tibet. Through several renovations it has become a large building group, with an area of over 25,000 square meters. It is four-storey high with a golden roof. The main hall consecrates a gold statue of Sakyamuni brought to Tibet in the Tang Dynasty and statues of King Songtsang Kampo (617-650), Princess Wen Cheng and Princess Chizun. Murals in the temple include one entitled "Princess Wen Cheng Entering Tibet" and lines of woodcuts of beasts and sphinx featuring local arts of the Western Region.

Entry fee: 45 yuan

back 　　[close]　　next