The Potala Palace forms part of a historic ensemble in Lhasa associated with Tibetan Buddhism. UNESCO's property includes more than the palace alone.
What does the ensemble contain?#
The Potala complex includes the White and Red Palaces and their associated buildings on Red Mountain. The wider property also includes Jokhang Temple Monastery and Norbulingka. The latter was the Dalai Lama's summer palace, distinct from the Potala's winter-palace role.
How do the components differ?#
UNESCO relates the ensemble to religious life, administration and Tibetan art. Its description places Norbulingka's construction in the eighteenth century. These different roles and periods should not be collapsed into one construction date for every building.
Scope of this introduction#
This page describes the heritage components. It does not provide entry-permit advice, opening hours, altitude-health guidance or a guarantee of current access.