Lhasa

Lhasa
Name	Lhasa
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label position	bottom
Coordinates	29.39°N 91.07°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Subdivision type1	Autonomous region
Subdivision name1	Tibet Autonomous Region
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Doje Cezhug
Area total km2	29,274
Population total	559,423
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	19.1

Lhasa is a city located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, situated near the Lhasa River and surrounded by the Himalayas and the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains. The city is home to the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as the Jokhang Temple, a significant Buddhist site. Lhasa is also close to the Namcha Barwa mountain and the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into the Brahmaputra River in India. The city is an important cultural and spiritual center, attracting visitors from around the world, including Dharamsala, Kathmandu, and Beijing.

Geography

Lhasa is situated in the Tibetan Plateau, near the Gangdise Mountains and the Tanggula Mountains. The city is surrounded by several notable mountains, including Mount Nyainqêntanglha and Mount Namcha Barwa, which are considered sacred by the Tibetan people. The Lhasa River flows through the city, providing water and supporting the local agriculture and ecosystem. Lhasa is also close to several important lakes, including Lake Namtso and Lake Yamdrok, which are popular destinations for trekking and tourism. The city's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Himalayan mountain range, which includes notable peaks such as Mount Everest and K2.

History

Lhasa has a rich and complex history, dating back to the 7th century when it was founded by the Tibetan Empire under the rule of Songtsen Gampo. The city was an important center of Buddhism and Tibetan culture, and was visited by notable figures such as Padmasambhava and Atiśa. In the 13th century, Lhasa was invaded by the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan and later became a part of the Yuan dynasty. The city was also influenced by the Ming dynasty and the Qing dynasty, and was visited by Chinese emperors such as Kangxi Emperor and Qianlong Emperor. In the 20th century, Lhasa was occupied by the People's Liberation Army and became a part of the People's Republic of China.

Climate

Lhasa has a high-altitude climate, with low humidity and limited oxygen levels. The city experiences a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, but also suffers from air pollution due to its proximity to the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. The average temperature in Lhasa ranges from -2°C in January to 23°C in August, with significant variations in temperature between day and night. The city is also prone to drought and floods, which can have a significant impact on the local agriculture and ecosystem. Lhasa's climate is similar to that of other high-altitude cities, such as La Paz and Quito.

Culture

Lhasa is a significant cultural center, with a rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The city is home to several important monasteries, including the Drepung Monastery and the Sera Monastery, which are centers of Buddhist learning and spirituality. Lhasa is also known for its vibrant arts scene, which includes Thangka painting, Tibetan music, and Tibetan dance. The city hosts several important festivals throughout the year, including the Shoton Festival and the Ganden Festival, which attract visitors from around the world, including Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Lhasa's culture is also influenced by its proximity to other cultural centers, such as Kathmandu and Beijing.

Economy

Lhasa's economy is primarily driven by tourism and agriculture, with a significant focus on Tibetan handicrafts and local products. The city is also an important center for trade and commerce, with links to other cities in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai. Lhasa is home to several important markets, including the Barkhor Street market, which sells a range of local products and Tibetan handicrafts. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to other economic centers, such as Kunming and Chengdu. Lhasa's economy is supported by organizations such as the Tibet Autonomous Region Government and the China National Tourism Administration.

Transportation

Lhasa is connected to other cities in China and Asia by a range of transportation links, including the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The city is also accessible by highway, with links to other cities in Tibet and China. Lhasa is a popular destination for trekking and adventure tourism, with several important trekking routes and mountaineering destinations, including Mount Everest and K2. The city's transportation infrastructure is supported by organizations such as the China Railway Corporation and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Lhasa is also connected to other transportation hubs, such as Kathmandu and Beijing.

Category:Cities in China