The 1300-year-old
Jokhang Lamasery in the west of the old city proper of Lhasa is an architectural
masterpiece that combines techniques of ancient Tibet with those of the Hans.
Standing at the center of Lhasa city, the monastery
was built in 647 to commemorate Princess Wen Cheng's arrival in Tibet.
Through several renovations it has become a large building group, with
an area of over 25,000 square meters. It is four-storey high with a golden
roof. The main hall consecrates a gold statue of Sakyamuni brought to
Tibet in the Tang Dynasty and statues of King Songtsang Kampo (617-650),
Princess Wen Cheng and Princess Chizun. Murals in the temple include one
entitled "Princess Wen Cheng Entering Tibet" and lines of woodcuts of
beasts and sphinx featuring local arts of the Western Region.
The temple is fronted with a stele to mark
the meetings between the officials of the imperial court of the Tang Dynasty and
the Tibetan regional government and other historical relics. Entry fee:
45 yuan | 
