Sera Monastery in Lhasa is a must-visit in the afternoon for its debate sessions and sunset

When in Lhasa, don’t just visit the Potala Palace. This ancient monastery at the foot of Wuzishan in the northern suburbs holds the most vibrant Tibetan local life. Visiting between 2-5 PM lets you unlock double the joy. 🔴 Core Experience: The debate session starting promptly at 3 PM every afternoon (except Sundays) is definitely the soul of Sera Monastery. Don’t think it’s just a simple “argument”; it’s an important practice method for the monks. In the debate courtyard, seated monks ask questions while standing monks suddenly lift their legs, take steps, clap their hands, and make their prayer beads fly. Even if you don’t understand Tibetan, the seriousness in their eyes makes the atmosphere solemn. Watching it all afternoon is very interesting. 📌 Tip: You can take photos but don’t just use your phone, and don’t get too close to disturb them. Keep about a one-meter distance and watch quietly. 🟢 Cultural Highlights: ☑️ The Mahakala Hall is a beloved blessing site for locals, said to protect safety. Remember to bow and crawl through the small hole to make a wish. The entrance is a bit narrow, so be careful. ☑️ The Tsokchen Hall houses the Kangyur scriptures bestowed by Emperor Yongle. The murals in the Maizacang are original works from the Ming Dynasty. Every snapshot captures traces of time. ☑️ Sera Monastery has many beautiful spots: winding alleys, red and yellow walls, mottled light and shadow, and occasionally monks passing by. These cultural moments are also a kind of scenery. 📝 Practical Guide: 📍 Address: No. 1 Sera Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City 💰 Ticket: 50 RMB ⚠️ Restrictions: No entry to the main hall if wearing shorts or short skirts ⏰ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Debate starts at 3:00 PM) 🚌 Transportation: Bus No. 24 goes directly 🚶🏻‍♀️ Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours