Potala Palace China Postcard

The Potala Palace is a majestic dzong fortress in Lhasa, Tibet, China, serving as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas from the 17th century until 1959. It is perched on Marpo Ri (Red Hill), a massive structure comprising the White Palace (administrative and residential) and the Red Palace (religious and ceremonial), and is a profound symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and cultural identity. The intricate interior contains over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and approximately 200,000 statues. It houses numerous chapels, great halls, and the private quarters of successive Dalai Lamas, including extensive murals, precious mandalas, and the highly revered golden stupas containing the remains of previous Dalai Lamas, creating a powerful spiritual and artistic experience.