Potala Palace is easily the most imposing manmade structure in the world

Potala Palace is known as the highest palace in the world and one of the most famous architectural works in the world. Standing on the Red Hill of Lhasa, the Potala Palace is a treasure house of Tibetan history, religion, culture, and art. The palace, well worth visiting for its artistic value, historic purposes, and cultural awareness, has been regarded as the No. 1 must-see attraction in Tibet. Interesting in Potala Palace Tour? HRC is pleased to offer great service to build a unique China tour for you.

 
Perched atop Red Mountain in the western part of the Lhasa Valley, the Potala Palace looms over its surroundings at a staggering 3,700 meters above sea level (Mt. Fuji stands 3,776 meters tall). The palace is easily the most imposing manmade structure in the world at this elevation: a colossal fortress with a golden roof rising from a mountain top, surrounded by imposing turreted walls and entered via a number of gates. The majestic building unsurprisingly became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Lozang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, started the construction of the Potala Palace in 1645  after one of his spiritual advisers, Konchog Chophel (died 1646), pointed out that the site was ideal as a seat of government, situated as it is between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa.[3] It may overlay the remains of an earlier fortress, called the White or Red Palace,[4] on the site built by Songtsen Gampo in 637. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum.