Lynx's Footprints: Lhasa, Where the Heart Leads—a Sacred City Thin on Oxygen but Abundant in Faith

Every place, every city, has its own unique label and imprint—Beijing, the imperial capital; Shanghai, the magic metropolis; Kunming, the eternal spring city… But I believe every traveler holds a sacred place in their heart, and that place is Lhasa—often called the gateway between the sacred and the secular worlds. In Tibetan, Lhasa means “the holy land where gods dwell.” Sitting at an altitude of 3,650 meters, Lhasa has been shared by many fellow travelers. I’ll simply take you along from a traveler’s perspective to look around and wander.

Ways to reach Lhasa are few: hiking, cycling, self-driving, train, and plane. Hiking and cycling demand a lot of time, energy, and a tough spirit; self-driving lets you see more scenery but comes with higher risks; flying is the quickest, but first-time high-altitude visitors often experience altitude sickness and need more time to adjust after landing; the train is a better choice—you can eat, drink, doze, and ride all the way to Lhasa while enjoying the passing landscape.

Departing from Xining, the route passes China’s largest lake—Qinghai Lake, the world’s highest-altitude plateau tunnel—Guanjiao Tunnel, the source of the Yangtze River—Golmud, the mountain pass on the plateau—Tanggula Pass, and China’s highest, largest, and youngest city—Nagqu.

After 21 hours by train through day and night, I arrived smoothly in Lhasa. Even though I’ve come to Lhasa for work many times, the moment my feet touch this land, my restless heart instantly calms down. Many say that in Lhasa, everything except life and death fades into insignificance. Every visitor to Lhasa has a story; some are willing to share, others choose silence.

As a pearl on the snowy plateau, the Potala Palace holds undisputed historical-cultural weight and political status in all of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhist regions. The documents, rare treasures, and religious instruments it houses are truly rare worldwide.

Note: The Potala Palace requires reservation via the official WeChat account “Potala Palace Official Platform” with real-name booking. It’s advisable to hire a guide for explanations. Most importantly, photography is strictly forbidden inside the Potala Palace!!!

After visiting the Potala Palace, follow the crowd downhill toward the exit. There’s a small market in front of the Aviation Hotel where you can browse various trinkets, bracelets, beads, and more. Key tip: Remember to bargain!!!

Leaving the Potala Palace, walk east along Beijing Middle Road for about 15 minutes to reach Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Directly opposite the Lhasa Post Office, there’s a small alley where the handmade yogurt is delicious—choose plain, with sugar, or with highland barley.

The Jokhang Temple, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, holds supreme status in Tibetan Buddhism. Barkhor Street, also known as Octagon Street, was originally a pilgrimage circumambulation path that later evolved into a commercial hub. It’s packed with small goods and Tibetan-style gifts, plus many photo studios for traditional Tibetan costume shoots.

Note: Recommend the specialty product expo center next to Jokhang Temple—lots of stuff, very affordable.

Walking the streets of Lhasa, the air carries the fragrance of Tibetan butter tea. Tucked away in a quiet corner, find a Tibetan-style tea house, order a cup of sweet Tibetan tea, watch the bustling crowds on the road, and savor the tranquility.

Clothing: Lhasa averages 3,600m in altitude; mornings and evenings are chilly—bring a jacket. UV rays are strong, so sun protection is essential.

Food: Lhasa’s locals are mainly Tibetans, plus people from Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai, so flavors lean toward spicy and pungent.

Accommodation: Options include guesthouses, hostels, and chain hotels. If you need oxygen supply, book via Ctrip.

Transport: Shared electric scooters are available in the city—scan and go, very convenient. The airport has buses directly to the Potala Palace area.

Activities: First-timers in Lhasa must keep warm and try not to catch a cold. High altitude can cause altitude sickness; I suggest buying medicine at a pharmacy to ease symptoms.