Lhasa, Capital city in Tibet, China.
Lhasa is a capital city in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, situated at an elevation of 3,658 meters in the Lhasa River valley. The city spreads between high peaks and connects old temple complexes with modern districts along wide streets.
King Songtsen Gampo founded the city in 633 as his capital and built the Jokhang Temple. Later rulers expanded the religious facilities and made the city the center of Tibetan Buddhism.
The name Lhasa means "place of the gods," and pilgrims walk clockwise around sacred sites throughout the day. Monks in burgundy robes gather for prayer sessions in temple courtyards while butter lamps flicker along stone corridors.
Visitors should allow several days to adjust to the thin air before taking long walks. Official permits are required before arrival, and most travelers reach the city through Gonggar Airport or the railway station.
Yaks and sheep sometimes move through the outer streets of the city while vendors sell dried yak cheese and hand-woven carpets in small shops. The clear mountain air makes stars appear especially bright at night, and local families drink sweet butter tea from silver cups.
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