Lhasa 238741 223641421 2008-07-05T01:08:27Z Squids and Chips 2947772 Disambiguate [[Western]] to [[Western culture]] using [[:en:Wikipedia:Tools/Navigation_popups|popups]] {{otheruses}} {{Infobox Settlement |official_name = Lhasa |other_name = Lasa |native_name = |translit_lang1= [[Tibetan language|Tibetan]] |translit_lang1_type=[[Tibetan script|Tibetan]] |translit_lang1_info=ལྷ་ས་ |translit_lang1_type1=[[Wylie transliteration]] |translit_lang1_info1=lha sa |translit_lang1_type2=pronunciation in [[International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA]] |translit_lang1_info2={{IPA|[ʹl̥ʰásə] or [ʹl̥ʰɜ́ːsə] }} |translit_lang1_type3=[[Tibetan Pinyin|official&nbsp;transcription&nbsp;(PRC)]] |translit_lang1_info3=Lha sa |translit_lang1_type4=[[THDL Simplified Phonetic Transcription|THDL]] |translit_lang1_info4=Lhasa |translit_lang1_type5=other transcriptions |translit_lang1_info5= |translit_lang1_type6= |translit_lang1_info6= |translit_lang2=[[Chinese language|Chinese]] |translit_lang2_type=[[Traditional Chinese character|Traditional]] |translit_lang2_info=拉薩 |translit_lang2_type1=[[Simplified Chinese character|Simplified]] |translit_lang2_info1=拉萨 |translit_lang2_type2=[[Pinyin]] |translit_lang2_info2=Lāsà |translit_lang2_type3= |translit_lang2_info3=Lhasa |translit_lang2_type4= |translit_lang2_info4=laai1 saat3 |translit_lang2_type5= |translit_lang2_info5= |translit_lang2_type6= |translit_lang2_info6= |nickname = |settlement_type = <!--For Town or Village (Leave blank for the default City)--> |motto = <!-- images and maps -----------> |image_skyline = LhasaBarskor.jpg |imagesize = 300px |image_caption = Lhasa main street |image_flag = |flag_size = |image_seal = |seal_size = |image_map = |mapsize = |map_caption = |image_map1 = |mapsize1 = |map_caption1 = |image_dot_map = |dot_mapsize = |dot_map_caption = |dot_x = |dot_y = |pushpin_map = China |pushpin_label_position = Top<!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none --> |pushpin_map_caption =Location within China |pushpin_mapsize =300 <!-- Location ------------------> |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = [[China]] |subdivision_type1 = Region |subdivision_name1 = [[Tibet Autonomous Region|Tibet]] |subdivision_type2 = [[Political divisions of China|Prefecture]] |subdivision_name2 = [[Lhasa Prefecture]] |government_footnotes = |government_type = |leader_title = [[Mayor]] |leader_name = [[Doje Cezhug]] |leader_title1 = |leader_name1 = |leader_title2 = |leader_name2 = |leader_title3 = |leader_name3 = |leader_title4 = |leader_name4 = |established_title = <!-- Settled --> |established_date = |established_title2 = <!-- Incorporated (town) --> |established_date2 = |established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) --> |established_date3 = <!-- Area ---------------------> |area_magnitude = |unit_pref = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired--> |area_footnotes = |area_total_km2 = <!-- ALL fields dealing with a measurements are subject to automatic unit conversion--> |area_land_km2 = 53 <!-- Population -----------------------> |population_as_of = 2004 est. |population_footnotes = |population_note = |population_total = 257,400 |population_urban = |population_density_km2 = |population_density_sq_mi = |population_blank1_title =[[Nationalities of China|Major Nationalities]] |population_blank1 =[[Han Chinese]]; [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]]; [[Hui]] |population_density_blank1_km2 = |population_density_blank1_sq_mi = |population_blank2_title =[[Chinese Language|Regional dialect]] |population_blank2 =[[Tibetan language]], [[Hohhot dialect]] <!-- General information ---------------> |timezone = +8 |utc_offset = |timezone_DST = |utc_offset_DST = |latd= 29|latm=39 |lats= |latNS=N |longd=91 |longm= 07|longs= |longEW=E |elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> |elevation_m = 3650 <!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> |postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... --> |postal_code = 891 |area_code = 850000 |blank_name = |blank_info = |blank1_name = |blank1_info = |website = |footnotes = }} {{Refimprove|date=March 2008}} '''Lhasa''', (pronounced [ʹl̥ʰásə] or [ʹl̥ʰɜ́ːsə] in Tibetan, [l̥asa] in English) sometimes spelled '''Lasa''', is the capital of [[Tibet]] and the administrative capital of the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] of the [[People's Republic of China]]. Lhasa is located at the foot of [[Mount Gephel]]. The city is the traditional seat of the [[Dalai Lama]] and the [[Potala]] and [[Norbulingka]] palaces (both are included in a [[World Heritage Site]]<ref>{{cite web |author= |year= |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/707 |title=Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa |publisher=unesco |accessdate=2008-02-10 }} </ref>) and in [[Tibetan Buddhism]] is regarded as the holiest centre in Tibet. The city is home to 257,400 as of the 2004 census estimate, and at an [[altitude]] of approximately 3,650 metres (11,975 ft), is the highest capital city in the world. Lhasa literally means "place of the gods", although ancient Tibetan documents and inscriptions demonstrate that the place was called '''Rasa''', which means "[[goat]]'s place", until the early 7th century.<ref>Kolmaš, Josef. (1967) ''[[Tibet]] and [[Imperial China]]: A Survey of Sino-Tibetan Relations up to the end of the [[Manchu Dynasty]] in 1912'', p. 7. Occasional paper 7. The Australian National University - Centre of Oriental Studies, Canberra.</ref> The city is part of a township-level prefecture, the [[Lhasa Prefecture]] consisting of 7 small counties: [[Lhünzhub County]], [[Damxung County]], [[Nyêmo County]], [[Qüxü County]], [[Doilungdêqên County]], [[Dagzê County]] and [[Maizhokunggar County]]. == History == There is considerable debate over the geographical prominence of Lhasa in early Tibetan history. By the mid 7<sup>th</sup> century, [[Songtsän Gampo]] became the leader of the [[Tibetan Empire]] that had risen to power in the [[Yarlung River]] Valley. In 641 A.D., [[Songtsän Gampo]], who by this time had conquered the whole Tibetan region, wedded [[Princess Bhrikuti]] of Nepal and [[Princess Wen Cheng]] of the Imperial [[Tang Dynasty|Tang]] court. Through these marriages, he converted to [[Buddhism]] and proceeded to build the Ramoche and Jokhang temples in Lhasa to house two [[Buddha statue]]s brought to his court by the two princesses, even as it was noted that [[Songtsän Gampo]]'s empire was nomadic and he held court in large movable resplendent tents. [[Image:Songstengampo.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Songtsän Gampo]]]] From the fall of the monarchy to the accession of the fifth Dalai Lama, the centre of political power in the Tibetan region was not situated in Lhasa. However, the importance of Lhasa as a religious site became increasingly significant as the centuries progressed.<ref>Bloudeau, Anne-Mari & Gyatso, Yonten. 'Lhasa, Legend and History' in Lhasa in the Seventeenth Century: The Capital of the Dalai Lamas, 2003, p. 25</ref> It was known as the centre of Tibet where [[Padmasambhava]] magically pinned down the earth demonness with the foundation of the [[Jokhang Temple]] built over her heart. <ref>Bloudeau, Anne-Mari & Gyatso, Yonten. 'Lhasa, Legend and History' in Lhasa in the Seventeenth Century: The Capital of the Dalai Lamas, 2003, p. 38</ref> By the [[15th century|15<sup>th</sup> century]], the city of Lhasa had risen to prominence following the founding of three large [[Gelugpa]] monasteries by [[Je Tsongkhapa]] and his disciples in the 15th century. The three monasteries are [[Ganden]], [[Sera monastery|Sera]], and [[Drepung]] monasteries which were built as part of the puritanical Buddhist revival in Tibet. The scholarly achievements and political knowhow of this sect eventually pushed Lhasa once more to centre stage. The fifth [[Dalai Lama]], [[Lobsang Gyatso]] (1617&ndash;1682), conquered Tibet and moved the centre of his administration to Lhasa, as the religious and political capital of Tibet. In 1645 the [[Potala Palace]] began reconstruction on Red Hill. In 1648, the ''Potrang Karpo'' ([[Potala#White Palace|White Palace]]) of the Potala was completed, and the Potala was used as a [[winter palace]] by the Dalai Lama from that time. The ''Potrang Marpo'' ([[Potala#Red Palace|Red Palace]]) was added between 1690 and 1694. The name Potala is possibly derived from Mount Potalaka, the mythological abode of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Avalokiteśvara]]. The Jokhang Temple was also greatly expanded around this time. Although some wooden carvings and [[lintel (architecture)|lintel]]s of the Jokhang Temple date to the 7<sup>th</sup> century, the oldest of Lhasa's extant buildings, such as amidst the Potala Palace, the Jokhang and some of the monasteries and properties in the Old Quarter date to this second flowering in Lhasa's history. The 11th edition of ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition|Encyclopedia Britannica]]'' published between 1910–1911 noted the total population of Lhasa, including the lamas in the city and vicinity is about 30,000<ref name="Britannica">[http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/LEO_LOB/LHASA_LIIASSA_LASSA_Gods_ground.html LHASA. Online Encyclopedia. Search over 40,000 articles from the original, classic Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Edition]</ref>; a census in 1854 made the figure 42,000, but it is known to have greatly decreased since. ''Britannica'' noted that within Lhasa, there were about a total of 1,500 resident Tibetan laymen and about 5,500 Tibetan women.<ref name="Britannica"/> The permanent population also includes Chinese families (about 2,000).<ref name="Britannica"/> The city's residence also includes people from Nepal and Ladak (about 800), and a few from Bhotan and Mongolia and other places.<ref name="Britannica"/> The ''Britannica'' noted with interest that the Chinese have a crowded burial-ground at Lhasa, tended carefully after their manner and the Nepalese supply the mechanics and metal-workers.<ref name="Britannica"/> In the first half of the [[20th century|20<sup>th</sup> century]], several [[Western culture|Western]] explorers made celebrated journeys to the city, including [[Francis Younghusband]], [[Alexandra David-Néel]], and [[Heinrich Harrer]]. Lhasa was the centre of Tibetan Buddhism, and nearly half of its population were [[monks]]. The population of Lhasa was estimated at 25,000 in 1951, excluding some 15,000 monks in the area's monasteries, although with the [[Invasion of Tibet (1950–1951)|invasion of China]] many people fled from the city including the living [[14th Dalai Lama|14<sup>th</sup> Dalai Lama]] who fled from his residence in the Potala Palace into [[exile]] in [[India]] in 1959 after the [[1959 Tibetan uprising|Lhasa uprising]]. Lhasa between 1987–1989 had major demonstrations against the Chinese occupation led by monks and nuns. As a result the Chinese government made life for monks and nuns more difficult by imposing restrictions and political re-educations in the monasteries. Many had to go through these "re-education sessions to align themselves with the [[Communist]] views and denounce the Dalai Lama and Tibetan independence." Many [[monk]]s who refused were sent to [[prison]], while others left the monasteries and many escaped into India to carry on with their studies. As of the early 2000s, the city's population stands at about 255,000. For the history of Tibet since 1950, see the [[History of Tibet#Renewed Chinese rule|history of Tibet]]. [[Image:Jokhang Square, the first destination or drop-off for most tourists.jpg|thumb|center|1000px|[[Jokhang]]]] ==[[Dalai Lama]]s of Lhasa== *{{main|Dalai Lama}} == Geography and climate == [[Image:Lhasa Valley in Tibet.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Lhasa is located in the Lhasa Valley of [[Tibet]].]] [[Image:Lhasa from Potala.JPG|thumb|left|200px]] Lhasa {{coor dm|29|39.29|N|91|7.1|E|region:CN_type:city(200000)}} and the prefecture covers an area of close to 30,000&nbsp;km². It has a central area of 544&nbsp;km²<ref>''National Geographic Atlas of China'' (2007), p. 88. National Geographic, Washington, D.C. ISBN 978-1426201363.</ref> and a total population of 500,000; 250,000 of its people live in the urban area. Lhasa is home to the [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]], [[Han (people)|Han]], and [[Hui]] peoples, as well as many other ethnic groups, but the Tibetan ethnic group makes up 87% of the total population. Located at the bottom of a small basin surrounded by mountains, Lhasa has an elevation of 3,650 metres (12,000 ft) and lies in the centre of the Tibetan Plateau. The mountains around it rise to 5,500 metres (18,000 ft). The [[Kyi River|Kyi]] (or Kyi Chu) River, a tributary of the [[Brahmaputra River|Yarlung Zangbo River]]), runs through the city. The city stands by the [[Lhasa River]] known to local Tibetans as the "merry blue waves,". It runs through the snow-covered peaks and gullies of the Nyainqentanglha mountains, extending 315&nbsp;km. The river empties into the Yarlung Zangbo River at [[Qüxü County|Qüxü]], forming an area of great scenic beauty. [[Image:IMG 1370 Lhasa Cinese.jpg|thumb|right|260px|View of the main road in Lhasa]] With its flat land and mild weather, Lhasa is free of both freezing winters and unbearably hot summers, having an annual average daily temperature of 8 degrees C (43 degrees F). It enjoys 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, so much more than most other cities, it is sometimes called the "sunlit city." Lhasa has an annual precipitation of 500 mm. It rains mainly in July, August and September. The rainy seasons in the summer and autumn are widely regarded the "best" seasons of the year, when it rains mostly at night, and is sunny in the daytime. :Temperature - Daily average (January) -1.2<sup>o</sup>C, 29.8<sup>o</sup>F; (July) 16.4<sup>o</sup>C, 61.5<sup>o</sup>F :Precipitation - Daily average (January) 0.5 mm, 0.02 inches; (July) 129.7 mm, 5.11 inches.<ref>''National Geographic Atlas of China'' (2007), p. 88. National Geographic, Washington, D.C. ISBN 978-1426201363.</ref> Depending on how the [[Tibet#Status|status of Tibet]] before 1950 is interpreted, Lhasa can be regarded as the [[List of highest towns by country|highest]] [[List of historical national capitals|national capital]] at that time, surpassing [[La Paz]], [[Bolivia]], which currently holds that distinction. <!--Infobox begins-->{{Infobox Weather |metric_first= <!--Entering Yes will display metric first. Leave blank for imperial--> |single_line= yes |location = Lhasa |Jan_Hi_°F = 45 |Jan_Hi_°C = 7 |Feb_Hi_°F = 48 |Feb_Hi_°C = 9 |Mar_Hi_°F = 55 |Mar_Hi_°C = 13 |Apr_Hi_°F = 61 |Apr_Hi_°C = 16 |May_Hi_°F = 68 |May_Hi_°C = 20 |Jun_Hi_°F = 73 |Jun_Hi_°C = 23 |Jul_Hi_°F = 72 |Jul_Hi_°C = 22 |Aug_Hi_°F = 70 |Aug_Hi_°C = 21 |Sep_Hi_°F = 68 |Sep_Hi_°C = 20 |Oct_Hi_°F = 63 |Oct_Hi_°C = 17 |Nov_Hi_°F = 54 |Nov_Hi_°C = 12 |Dec_Hi_°F = 46 |Dec_Hi_°C = 8 |Year_Hi_°F = |Year_Hi_°C = |Jan_Lo_°F = 18 |Jan_Lo_°C = -8 |Feb_Lo_°F = 23 |Feb_Lo_°C = -5 |Mar_Lo_°F = 28 |Mar_Lo_°C = -2 |Apr_Lo_°F = 36 |Apr_Lo_°C = 2 |May_Lo_°F = 43 |May_Lo_°C = 6 |Jun_Lo_°F = 50 |Jun_Lo_°C = 10 |Jul_Lo_°F = 52 |Jul_Lo_°C = 11 |Aug_Lo_°F = 50 |Aug_Lo_°C = 10 |Sep_Lo_°F = 46 |Sep_Lo_°C = 8 |Oct_Lo_°F = 36 |Oct_Lo_°C = 2 |Nov_Lo_°F = 25 |Nov_Lo_°C = -4 |Dec_Lo_°F = 18 |Dec_Lo_°C = -8 |Year_Lo_°F = |Year_Lo_°C = |Jan_Precip_inch = 0.03 |Feb_Precip_inch = 0.04 |Mar_Precip_inch = 0.09 |Apr_Precip_inch = 0.22 |May_Precip_inch = 0.91 |Jun_Precip_inch = 2.32 |Jul_Precip_inch = 3.81 |Aug_Precip_inch = 3.86 |Sep_Precip_inch = 2.19 |Oct_Precip_inch = 0.19 |Nov_Precip_inch = 0.02 |Dec_Precip_inch = 0.02 |Year_Precip_inch = |source = <ref name= >{{cite web | url = http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:CHXX0080| title =Weather AveragesLhasa, CHN | accessmonthday = 12-27| accessyear = 2007 | publisher = MSN | language = English}}</ref> |accessdate = 2007-12-27 }}<!--Infobox ends--> == Administration == [[Image:Lhasa.png|thumb|left|280px|Lhasa prefecture-level city in [[Tibet Autonomous Region]]]] [[Image:Lhasa Counties.png|thumb|right|280px|Counties of the Lhasa Prefecture]] Administratively speaking, Lhasa is a [[prefecture-level city]] that consists of one [[district of China|district]] and seven [[county of China|counties]]. The district comprises the urban area of Lhasa and is called '''[[Chengguan District]]''' (Tibetan: <font face="jomolhari">ཁྲིན་ཀོན་ཆུས་</font>, [[Wylie transliteration|Wylie]]: khrin kon chus, {{zh-stp|s=城关区 |t=城關區 |p=Chéngguān Qū}}). The seven counties are [[Lhünzhub County|Lhünzhub]], [[Damxung County|Damxung]], [[Nyêmo County|Nyêmo]], Qüxü, [[Doilungdêqên County|Doilungdêqên]], [[Dagzê County|Dagzê]], and Maizhokunggar. == Economy == {{Unreferencedsection|date=March 2008}} Competitive industry together with feature economy, are playing key roles in the next stage of Lhasa's rapid development. In view of maintaining the balance between humans and nature, tourism and service industry are emphasised by local governors as two growth engines for the future. [[Agriculture]] and [[husbandry]] in Lhasa is at a high standard. Mainly, people plant highland [[barley]] and winter [[wheat]] in Lhasa. The resources of water conservancy, [[geothermal heating]], [[solar energy]], and various mines are abundant. There is widespread [[electricity]], and use of both [[machinery]] and traditional methods in the production of [[textile]]s, [[leather]]s, [[plastic]]s, [[match]]es, [[embroidery]], etc.. The production of national handicrafts has made great progress recently and the Tibetan rugs manufactured at the [[Lhasa Carpet Factory]] sell well. [[Image:The farmer's market near the Potala in Lhasa.jpg|thumb|left|260px|A market in [[Lhasa]]]] At the same time, sunset industries which cause serious pollution will fade out, in hopes of building a healthy eco system. Environmental problems such as [[soil erosion]], [[acidification]], and loss of [[vegetation]] are being addressed on the local government agenda. The tourism industry now brings significant business to the region, building on the attractiveness of the Potala Palace, the spectacular [[Himalaya]]n landscape, and the many wild plants and animals native to the high altitudes of [[Central Asia]]. Many of Lhasa's rural residents practice traditional [[agriculture]] and [[animal husbandry]]. Lhasa is also the traditional and current hub of the Tibetan trading network. For many years, chemical and car making plants operated in the area, because the city's remoteness allowed them to pollute with minimal restriction. However, this has changed in recent years. [[Copper]], [[lead]], and [[zinc]] are mined nearby, and the Chinese government is experimenting with new methods of mineral mining and geothermal heat extraction in the area. == Demographics == [[Image:IMG 0996 Lhasa Barkhor.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An elderly Tibetan woman holding a [[prayer wheel]] on the street in Lhasa]] [[Image:Mother & son playing lute. Lhasa 1993.jpg|thumb|right|300 px|Woman with son [[busking]] in Lhasa, 1993.]] Tibetan exile groups assert that ethnic Tibetans are now in a minority in Lhasa, because of the influx of migrants from other parts of the PRC over the past number of years (particularly [[Han Chinese|Han]] and [[Hui Chinese]]). This is backed up by many foreign journalists who have reported from the city [http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10871821&top_story=1] [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3564470.ece]. Officially, the total population of Lhasa Prefecture-level City is 521,500 (including known migrant population, excluding military garrisons). Of this, 257,400 are in the urban area (including migrant population of 100,700), while 264,100 are outside.<ref>[http://www.lasa.gov.cn/gb1/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=30 People's Government of Lhasa Official Website - "Administrative divisions"]</ref> Nearly half of Lhasa Prefecture-level City's population lives in Chengguan District, which is the administrative division that contains the urban area of Lhasa (i.e. the actual city). According to the 2000 census (which did not count the substantial [[People's Liberation Army]] garrison or the many undocumented migrants), the ethnic distribution in Lhasa Prefecture-level City was as follows in November 2000: {| class="wikitable" ! align=center colspan=8 | Major ethnic groups in Lhasa Prefecture-level City by district or county, 2000 census |---- ! !Total !colspan = 2 | [[Tibetans]] !colspan = 2 | [[Han Chinese]] !colspan = 2 | others |---- !Lhasa Prefecture-level City !474,499 !387,124 !81.6% !80,584 !17.0% !6,791 !1.4% |---- |Chengguan District |223,001 |140,387 |'''63.0%''' |76,581 |34.3% |6,033 |2.7% |---- |[[Lhünzhub County]] |50,895 |50,335 |'''98.9%''' |419 |0.8% |141 |0.3% |---- |[[Damxung County]] |39,169 |38,689 |'''98.8%''' |347 |0.9% |133 |0.3% |---- |[[Nyêmo County]] |27,375 |27,138 |'''99.1%''' |191 |0.7% |46 |0.2% |---- |[[Qüxü County]] |29,690 |28,891 |'''97.3%''' |746 |2.5% |53 |0.2% |---- |[[Doilungdêqên County]] |40,543 |38,455 |'''94.8%''' |1,868 |4.6% |220 |0.5% |---- |[[Dagzê County]] |24,906 |24,662 |'''99.0%''' |212 |0.9% |32 |0.1% |---- |[[Maizhokunggar County]] |38,920 |38,567 |'''99.1%''' |220 |0.6% |133 |0.3% |} [[Image:Mendicant monk in Lhasa, 1993.jpg|thumb|left|260 px|Mendicant monk in Lhasa]]<br/> <ref>Department of Population, Social, Science and Technology Statistics of the National Bureau of Statistics of China (国家统计局人口和社会科技统计司) and Department of Economic Development of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission of China (国家民族事务委员会经济发展司), eds. ''Tabulation on Nationalities of 2000 Population Census of China'' (《2000年人口普查中国民族人口资料》). 2 vols. Beijing: Nationalities Publishing House (民族出版社), 2003. (ISBN 7-105-05425-5)</ref> The [[Government of Tibet in Exile|Tibetan government in exile]] and reputable Western newspapers assert that, if the excluded PLA garrisons and migrants from outside Tibet are considered, ethnic Tibetans are now the minority in Lhasa. Resentment at the relative wealth and influence of the newcomers was one of the reasons behind the [[2008 Tibetan unrest|recent unrest]] in the city. ==Culture and landmarks== [[Image:Potala.jpg|thumb|240px|Potala]] [[Image:Norbulinka. August, 1993.JPG|thumb|right|200px|[[Norbulingka]]]] [[Image:Barkhor street scene.jpg|thumb|200px|The Barkhor, a place for walking, meditation and shopping]] Lhasa has many sites of historic interest, including the [[Potala Palace]], [[Jokhang Temple]], [[Sera Monastery]], [[Zhefeng Temple]], [[Drepung Monastery]] and [[Norbulingka]]. However, many important sites were damaged or destroyed mostly, but not solely, during the [[Cultural Revolution]].<ref>Bradley Mayhew and Michael Kohn. ''Tibet''. 6th Edition (2005), pp. 36-37. Lonely Planet. ISBN 1-74059-523-8</ref><ref>Keith Dowman. ''The Power-Places of Central Tibet: The Pilgrim's Guide'', (1988) pp. 8-13. Routledge & Kegan Paul, Ltd., London and New York. ISBN 0-7102-1370-0.</ref><ref>Laird, Thomas. (2006). ''The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama'', pp. 345-351.Grove Press, New York. ISBN 978-0-8021-1827-1.</ref> The city of Lhasa contains three [[concentric]] paths used by [[pilgrim]]s to [[Wiktionary:Circumambulate|circumambulate]] (walk around) the sacred Johkhang Temple, many of whom make full or partial prostrations along these routes in order to gain spiritual merit. The innermost, the Nangkor (Nang-skor), is contained within the Jokhang Temple, and surrounds the sanctuary of the Jowo Shakyamuni, the most sacred statue in Tibetan Buddhism. The middle circumambulatory, the Barkor (Bar-skor), passes through the Old Town and surrounds the Jokhang Temple and various other buildings in its vicinity. The outer Lingkor (Gling-skor) encircles the entire traditional city of Lhasa. Due to the construction of a large new street, Beijing Lam, the Lingkor is not usually used by pilgrims today. Every August the Shoton Festival is held in Lhasa, one of Tibet's biggest traditional festivals held since the 7th century. ===Landmarks=== *[[Potala Palace]] *[[Barkhor]] *[[Jokhang]] *[[Norbulingka]] *[[North Linkor Road]] *[[Tibet University]] *[[Lhasa Carpet Factory]] *[[Lhasa Hotel]] *[[Lhasa railway station]] *[[Lhasa west railway station]] *[[Central Beijing Road]] == Tourism == {{Unreferencedsection|date=March 2008}} [[Image:Dancing at Sho Dun Festival, Norbulingka.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Sho dun (Shotun) festival]] [[Image:Potala from W.jpg|thumb|left|260px|The Potala Palace, Lhasa's most famous landmark]] According to the region's authorities, 1.1 million people visited Tibet in 2004. Chinese authorities plan an ambitious growth of tourism in the region aiming at 10 million visitors by 2020; these visitors are expected to be mostly ethnic Chinese. Proponents of greater Tibetan autonomy are concerned that the increase in tourism will lead to an erosion of the indigenous culture of Tibet; in particular, these proponents have stated that renovation around historic sites, such as the Potala Palace, a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]], are creating a jarring "[[Walt Disney World|Disney]]-like" degradation of the sacred site. ==Transport== [[Image:Lhasa from Potala place.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Mainstreet]] Journalists report that the opening of the [[Qingzang Railway|Railway]]—the highest plateau railway in the world<ref>(2006). [http://www.tour-cities.com/lhasa.html Lhasa] - Lhasa Intro</ref>—in July 2006 has brought with it an increasing demand for property which has pushed prices up. Five trains arrive at and depart from [[Lhasa railway station]] each day. Train numbered T27 takes 47 hours, 28 minutes from [[Beijing West Railway Station|Beijing West]], arrives in Lhasa at 20:58 every day. The ticket costs 389 [[Chinese yuan|yuan]] for 'hard seat', or 813 yuan for a lower 'hard sleeper', 1262 yuan for a lower 'soft sleeper'. T28 from Lhasa to Beijing West departs at 08:00 and arrives in Beijing at 08:00 on the third day, taking 48 hours. There are also trains from [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]], [[Lanzhou]], [[Xining]], [[Guangzhou]], and [[Shanghai]]. Initially the large altitude difference has caused problems on this route, giving passengers [[altitude sickness]]. To counter this, extra oxygen is pumped in through the ventilation system, and personal oxygen masks are available.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/03/AR2006070301219.html Train 27, Now Arriving Tibet, in a 'Great Leap West'<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> {{seealso|Qingzang Railway|Lhasa railway station}} [[Lhasa Gonggar Airport]] is located about 98 kilometres south of the city.<ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/tibet/lhasa/airport.htm Lhasa Airport, Lhasa Gonggar Airport, China Airports<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> There is also a [[Lhasa Carpet Factory|carpet factory]] there known for its high quality carpets, and the [[flagship]] hotel, the [[Lhasa Hotel]] has grown up in recent years. ==Lhasa in entertainment== {{Unreferencedsection|date=March 2008}} Life in Lhasa was covered by [[Austria]]n mountaineer [[Heinrich Harrer]] in his book ''[[Seven Years In Tibet]]'' and the film of that same name which starred [[Brad Pitt]] and [[David Thewlis]]. The book in particular relates the story of his life in Lhasa during the 1940s. His autobiography, ''Beyond Seven Years in Tibet'', published in [[English language|English]] in 2007 also gives a perspective on his time in Lhasa. [[Image:Praying Tibetan Women.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Tibetan women near the Potala]] There are no pubs in Lhasa. There are some night spots which feature [[cabaret]] acts in which performers will sing [[English language|English]], [[Chinese language|Chinese]], [[Tibetan language|Tibetan]], and [[Nepalese language|Nepalese]] songs and dancers wear traditional Tibetan costume with long flowing cloth extending from their arms. As well, there are a number of small bars with live music, although they typically have limited drink menus and cater mostly to foreign patrons. In 1995 a British [[electronic music]] act [[Banco de Gaia]] released the album ''[[Last Train to Lhasa]]''. The Chinese rock artist [[Zheng Jun]] has recorded a hit song titled "Back to Lhasa" (''Hui Dao Lasa''). The song is filled with swirling Tibetan influences and rapidly took on the status of a classic. Lhasa is also referenced in "[[Terranigma]]", a [[Role-playing game|RPG]] videogame that was released for the [[Super Nintendo]] in 1995. == References == {{reflist}} * Das, Sarat Chandra. 1902. ''Lhasa and Central Tibet''. Reprint: Mehra Offset Press, Delhi. 1988. ISBN 81-86230-17-3 * Miles, Paul. (April 09, 2005). "Tourism drive 'is destroying Tibet' Unesco fears for Lhasa's World Heritage sites as the Chinese try to pull in 10 million visitors a year by 2020". ''Daily Telegraph'' (London), p. 4. * Richardson, Hugh E (1997). Lhasa. In ''Encyclopedia Americana international edition'', (Vol. 17, pp. 281-282). Danbury, CT: ''Grolier Inc''. * (2006). [http://www.tour-cities.com/lhasa.html Lhasa] - Lhasa Intro * Liu, Jianqiang (2006). [http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/451-Preserving-Lhasa-s-history-part-one-/ chinadialogue] - Preserving Lhasa's history (part one). == External links == {{commons|Lhasa}} * [http://www.lasa.gov.cn People's Government of Lhasa Official Website] * [http://zt.tibet.cn/tibetzt/lasa/index.htm Lhasa @ China Tibet Information Center] * [http://www.asianart.com/exhibitions/lhasanights/index.html Lhasa Nights art exhibition] === Maps and aerial photos === * [http://www.tibet.ru/images/maps/lhasa_centr.jpg Map central Lhasa] * [http://architectnetwork.co.kr/at/lhasa-center-map.jpg Old map of central Lhasa from 1959] {{coor title dm|29|39.29|N|91|07.1|E|type:city(257400)}} {{Tibet Autonomous Region}} {{Major cities of Greater China}} {{Lhasa Prefecture}} [[Category:Cities, towns and villages in Tibet]] [[Category:Holy cities]] [[Category:Lhasa]] [[Category:Lhasa Prefecture]] [[Category:Prefectures of Tibet]] [[ar:لاسا]] [[bn:লাসা]] [[bo:ལྷ་ས་]] [[bg:Лхаса]] [[ca:Lhasa]] [[cs:Lhasa]] [[cy:Lhasa]] [[da:Lhasa]] [[de:Lhasa]] [[et:Lhasa]] [[el:Λάσα]] [[es:Lhasa]] [[eo:Lasao]] [[fa:لهاسا]] [[fr:Lhassa]] [[ga:Leasa]] [[ko:라싸]] [[id:Lhasa]] [[it:Lhasa]] [[he:להסה]] [[lt:Lasa]] [[hu:Lhásza]] [[ms:Lhasa]] [[mn:Лхас]] [[nl:Lhasa]] [[ja:ラサ]] [[no:Lhasa]] [[nn:Lhasa]] [[pl:Lhasa]] [[pt:Lassa]] [[ru:Лхаса]] [[sq:Lhasa]] [[sk:Lhasa]] [[sh:Lhasa]] [[fi:Lhasa]] [[sv:Lhasa]] [[th:ลาซา]] [[vi:Lhasa]] [[tr:Lhasa]] [[uk:Лхаса]] [[zh:拉萨市]]