| Lhasa Tibetan: ལྷ་ ས་, Chinese: 拉萨 | ||
 | ||
| State | China | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Tibet | |
| Altitude | 3,750 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 53 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 420.000 (2007) | |
| POSTAL CODE | 850000 | |
| Time zone | UTC 8 | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Lhasa is a city of Tibet.
To know
Lhasa, which means Land of the gods, is a city located in the Himalayas with more than 1300 years of history.
Geographical notes
The city is located in a valley alongside the river of the same name. In the eastern part of the city, near the Jokhang temple and the Barkhor district, the Tibetan influence is still strong and evident: it is not uncommon to see Tibetans wearing traditional clothing. In the western part, the Han culture is stronger. Lhasa is a modern city and resembles many other Chinese cities.
How to orient yourself
Lhasa: full screen map.How to get
By plane
- Lhasa Gonggar Airport (贡嘎 机场 - IATA: LXA) (61 km south of Lhasa). Domestic flights depart from the airport to Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Qamdo, Shanghai, Xi'an, Xining, is Zhongdian (Shangri-La) and international for Katmandu and the Nepal. Non-Chinese citizens must meet their tour guide at the airport. Taxis are available outside the airport, an official shuttle bus service is also available (¥ 25). The airport is located 40-60 minutes from Lhasa on a 4-lane highway that winds its way through the surrounding hills.
On the train
The Qinghai-Tibet railway connects Lhasa and Golmud, with trains continuing for Xining, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou is Chongqing. There are also some trains for Shigatse.
- T27 / 28 from / to West Beijing (daily, 44 hours)
- T22 / 23/24/21 from / to Chengdu (every two days, 44 hours)
- T222 / 223/224/221 from / to Chongqing (every two days, 45 hours)
- T164 / 165/166/163 from / to Shanghai (daily, 48 hours)
- T264 / 265/266/263 from / to Guangzhou (every other day, 55 hours) - the longest domestic train journey in China (4,980 km)
- K917 / K918 from / to Lanzhou (daily, 27 hours)
- K9801 / K9802 from / to Xining West (daily, 24 hours)
Upon arrival, you will be taken to a checkpoint outside the station where your passport and special permit needed to enter the station will be checked. Tibet. Once you have crossed this point, you will meet your tour guide, right outside the station. In the unlikely event that you don't, a taxi ride between the urban area and the train station should cost ¥ 30 (flat rate), no driver uses a meter. Be sure to set the price in advance, as many drivers will try to charge ¥ 100.
By bus
Non-Chinese citizens are not allowed to board intercity buses in Tibet. For the Chinese there are frequent and cheap buses that connect Lhasa with all parts of Tibet.
How to get around
What see
- 1 Jokhang Temple (Tsuglagkhang).
- 2 Potala Palace (Podrang Potala).
