Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple is located in the center of Lhasa's old town and is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with profound historical and cultural significance. It was originally built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo during the peak of the Tubo Kingdom in the 7th century. Initially called "Rasa," it was later renamed "Zulakang" and "Juekang." In 1409, the founder of the Gelug school, Master Tsongkhapa, held a grand Dharma assembly here, and the temple was renamed Jokhang Temple. Jokhang Temple is the most magnificent surviving building from the Tubo period in Tibet and is also the earliest timber-structured building in Tibet, pioneering the Tibetan-style flatland temple layout. It integrates architectural styles from Tibet, Tang Dynasty China, Nepal, and India, making it an eternal model of Tibetan religious architecture. Jokhang Temple holds the highest status in Tibetan Buddhism and is a sacred monastery revered by all sects. Inside the temple is a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha brought from Chang'an in the Tang Dynasty by Princess Wencheng, a figure of great importance to Tibetan Buddhist believers. The temple houses nearly a thousand meters of Tibetan murals, including "Princess Wencheng's Journey to Tibet" and "The Construction of Jokhang Temple," as well as two Ming Dynasty embroidered protector deity thangkas, all rare artistic treasures. The stone pillar in front of the temple is inscribed with the Tang-Tubo Treaty, a historical testament to Sino-Tibetan friendship. ⏳ Visiting time: Free admission, visit duration 30 minutes to 1 hour.