Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Media Delegation Visits Potala Palace in Lhasa

A media delegation from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan visited the Potala Palace in Lhasa on June 17, experiencing one of the world's most iconic cultural monuments. Perched atop Marpo Ri Mountain at an elevation of over 3,700 meters above sea level in central Lhasa, the Potala Palace stands as the world's highest, largest, and best-preserved palatial fortress complex. Revered as the "Jewel of the Roof of the World," the palace embodies the architectural, artistic, and religious traditions of Tibet and serves as a symbol of Tibetan culture.

The visiting journalists approached the site with a spirit of cultural exploration, despite challenging circumstances. Several delegation members experienced severe altitude sickness upon their arrival in Tibet, making the physical demands of touring the palace—which requires climbing steep staircases at a 70-degree angle—inadvisable. However, after consulting with medical professionals, they persisted in reaching the site, determined to experience its cultural significance firsthand. One member even carried supplemental oxygen while accompanying the group to the palace base.

The members expressed their commitment to engaging with the site's history and culture despite physical limitations. A journalist from Taiwan requested an audio guide system from staff and attempted to listen to interior explanations from outside the palace, explaining that remaining connected to the historical narratives, even from a distance, deepened his sense of proximity to the cultural heritage.

The Potala Palace's history extends back to the seventh century. According to historical records, Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd emperor of the Tibetan Tubo dynasty, commissioned the construction of this grand palace atop Red Mountain to welcome the Tang Dynasty princess Wencheng. The original structure, known as "Red Mountain Palace," was described in historical texts as featuring "three outer walls and a thousand interior chambers." The name "Potala" derives from Sanskrit, meaning "sacred abode of Avalokiteshvara."

The visit underscored the palace's continuing role as a destination for cultural understanding and exchange. Despite the physical challenges posed by high altitude, the delegation's determination to witness and document the site reflected the enduring significance of the Potala Palace as a bridge between cultures and a repository of Tibetan civilization.