The Potala Palace crowns Red Mountain in Lhasa - the highest palace complex on Earth, a UNESCO site since 1994 and the unmissable symbol of Tibet.
First built in the 7th century under Songtsen Gampo, rebuilt in the 17th century as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the centre of Tibet theocratic rule, it served as palace, fortress and monastery.
The complex rises 117 metres over 13 storeys with more than 1,000 rooms: the Red Palace holds chapels and stupa tombs, the White Palace the administrative and residential quarters.
Highlights: the golden stupas of past Dalai Lamas (the fifth stupa is clad in 3,721 kg of gold) and exquisite murals and thangkas. Photography is banned inside some halls for conservation.
Visiting: reserve 3-7 days ahead in peak season on the official ticket system, buy with ID or passport (200 yuan high season, 100 low); visits are capped at one hour and entry is by timed slot.
Many steps at high altitude - go slowly. The Yaowangshan viewing platform at the foot is the best spot for the full-front photo.
