Which Tibetan landmark in Lhasa was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas?

The story behind the answer

Potala Palace in Lhasa was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas.

The palace stands on Marpo Ri, or Red Hill, above Lhasa in Tibet. Its main structures were built in the 17th century under the Fifth Dalai Lama, who began a major expansion in 1645. The complex became both a religious centre and the traditional seat of Tibet’s government.

Potala Palace has two principal sections: the White Palace, used mainly for administration and residence, and the Red Palace, which contains chapels and the tombs of several Dalai Lamas. It is sometimes confused with Norbulingka, a separate palace complex in Lhasa that served as a summer residence.

The palace is a major example of Tibetan architecture, combining massive walls, richly decorated interiors, and a position high above the city. UNESCO listed it, together with Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka, as a World Heritage Site.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: