Norbulingka

The "Treasure Garden" of the Highlands

1.Located in the western suburbs of: Lhasa, approximately 2 kilometers west of the Potala Palace, Norbulingka is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture and gardening. Known as the "Summer Palace of Lhasa" and the "Garden Pearl of the World's Roof," it served as the traditional summer residence for the Dalai Lamas, where they would handle administrative affairs and hold religious activities during the warmer months. The name "Norbulingka" translates to "Treasure Garden" or "Jeweled Park" in Tibetan. Covering an area of 360,000 square meters with 374 rooms, it is the largest, highest-altitude, and best-preserved man-made garden in Tibet. As an extension of the Potala Palace historic ensemble, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National 5A-level tourist attraction.

A Masterpiece of Tibetan and Han Fusion

Unlike the imposing, fortress-like Potala Palace, Norbulingka offers a serene atmosphere of leisure, characterized by lush ancient trees, blooming flowers, and calm lakes reflecting snow-capped mountains. The garden layout is a unique fusion of traditional Tibetan forest-villa styles and Han Chinese gardening techniques,.

• 2.The Lake Heart Palace (Tsokyil Phodrang): Built by the 8th Dalai Lama, this is considered the most beautiful section of the park. It features Han-style pavilions, stone bridges, and lotus ponds, creating a poetic scene often compared to the Jiangnan gardens of eastern China,.
• 3.The Golden Phodrang: Constructed by the 13th Dalai Lama, this palace is notable for its golden roof and murals featuring Han-style motifs of "Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity" (Fu Lu Shou Xi), as well as displays of foreign gifts like carriages,.

The Evolution of the Palaces

4.The history of: Norbulingka began in the 1740s when the Qing High Commissioner built the "Uya Phodrang" (Pavilion Palace) for the 7th Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso, who used the site to treat his health with local spring water. In 1751, the 7th Dalai Lama constructed the three-story Kelsang Phodrang, establishing the tradition of using this site as the Summer Palace. The complex reached its current scale in 1954 with the construction of the Takten Migyur Phodrang (The New Palace) by the 14th Dalai Lama. This modern palace is the most magnificent in the park, blending traditional religious architecture with modern amenities.

A Treasury of Art and History

Norbulingka is not just a garden but a museum of Tibetan history and art. The palaces are adorned with exquisite murals that blend Tibetan, Han, and Nepali artistic styles.

• 5.The Mural of History: Inside the New Palace (Takten Migyur Phodrang), a single continuous mural sequence spans 301 paintings. These depict the entire history of Tibet, from the mythical origins of the Tibetan people to the lives of the Dalai Lamas, serving as a visual encyclopedia of the region.
• 6.Thangkas and Artifacts: The park houses precious Thangkas from the Men-ri and Khyen-ri schools, alongside rare gifts from Chinese Emperors and foreign dignitaries, showcasing centuries of cultural exchange.

The Shoton Festival Hub

Culturally, Norbulingka is the epicenter of the Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival), one of Lhasa's most vibrant celebrations. During this time, the garden transforms into a sea of tents as locals gather for picnics, sing songs, and watch traditional Tibetan Opera performances. The park becomes a lively display of "glamping" culture, where the sacred and the secular merge in a celebration of summer joy.