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Sightseeing

大昭寺

📍 Barkhor Street, Chengguan, Lhasa, Tibet, China
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4.2/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Introduction

The Jokhang Temple stands at the heart of the Barkhor in Chengguan, Lhasa, founded in 647 under King Songtsen Gampo — the oldest and holiest monastery in Lhasa and the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. It enshrines the 12-year-old-life-size statue of Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng, revered as inestimable. Gilded roofs, brackets, murals and prayer pillars show a millennium of craft; the flagstones before the door are worn smooth by countless full prostrations. With the Barkhor, the Jokhang is the soul of Lhasa — essential to understanding Tibet's faith, art and daily life, and a historical witness to Han-Tibetan exchange.

Highlights

1
Life-size statue
12-year Sakyamuni, the treasure.
2
Gilded roofs
Layered gold, age-old craft.
3
Murals
Scriptural scenes, vivid color.
4
Tang-Tibet alliance
Han-Tibet bond, historic proof.
5
Prostrations
Doorsill worn mirror-smooth.
6
Barkhor ring
Kora outside, devotion unbroken.

🛈 Practical Info

LocationChengguan, Lhasa, Tibet, China
HoursFrom 9:00
Admission¥85 (peak)
Suggested visit1–2 hours
Best seasonMay–Oct
TransportWalk in the Barkhor

💡 Tips

No photos; remove hats/sunglasses in halls.
Circumambulate clockwise, respect rites.
If altitude-sick, avoid crowded stays.
Dawn devotees crowd; visit off-peak.
Pair with Barkhor and Ramoche Temple.
Dress modestly, no shorts/revealing wear.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting 大昭寺?

No photos; remove hats/sunglasses in halls. Circumambulate clockwise, respect rites.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.