Upon first sighting the Potala Palace, the Red Fortress atop Red Hill shone awe-inspiring in the sunlight. Slowly ascending the zigzag ramp, the murals and stupas within the palaces reveal the secret history of a thousand-year-old snow-covered land. The dazzling gilded sheen of the Fifth Dalai Lama's stupa silently speaks of its past glory. Reaching the summit, the view opens to the panorama of Lhasa, and the mountain breeze carries the echoes of history.
The Jokhang Temple is a haven of faith. "The Jokhang Temple came first, and then Lhasa." Inside, butter lamps burn eternally before the life-size statue of Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng. The relentless footsteps of pilgrims circumambulate the bluestone slabs, deeply etched with prostrations, and the recitation of the Six-Syllable Mantra lingers in the air. Beneath the golden dome, the architecture, a blend of Tibetan, Han, and Nepalese styles, bears witness to the collision and coexistence of civilizations.
From the grandeur of the Potala Palace to the piousness of the Jokhang Temple, the allure of this holy city extends far beyond its landscape. Here, every step is based on history, and every glance reveals the light of faith.