Jokhang Temple Tourism

Jokhang Temple, situated in the heart of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, is the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism and a revered sacred site. Founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, it features a unique blend of Indian vihara design, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture. Jokhang Temple is a significant pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, many of whom travel long distances to prostrate themselves in reverence before the temple's sacred image of the young Buddha Sakyamuni at age twelve, which is considered to be the most venerated and beautiful Jowo Shakyamuni statue in Tibet. The temple is encirculated by Barkhor Street, a devotional circumambulation route lined with prayer wheels and bustling with pilgrims and vendors. The structure consists of an extensive compound with many shrines and chapels. Over the centuries, the temple has been expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 square meters. The Jokhang Temple, along with other historical structures in Lashka, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the 'Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace'.