🏛️ 5A National Attractions
Last verified 30 Jul 2025
Lhasa has two official 国家5A级 scenic areas—both UNESCO-listed landmarks at the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
1 Quick Metrics
Total 5A sites
2
UNESCO share
2 / 2 (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple)
World heritage sites
Ticket range
¥85 (Jokhang) → ¥200 high-season (Potala)
Real-name booking
Mandatory for both sites—passport + timed QR
Walking radius
1.2 km apart—explore on foot; no metro in Lhasa
2 Why It Matters
Twin pillars of Tibetan faith — The Potala's red-white fortress and Jokhang's golden roofs define Lhasa's skyline and daily kora circuits.
Living heritage — Monks still debate philosophy in Jokhang courtyards; pilgrims queue dawn-to-dusk round the Potala's 13-storey chapels.
Altitude ease-in — At 3 650 m, both sites sit inside the city grid—ideal first-days acclimatisation before venturing higher into Tibet.
3 Pro Tips
1
Potala QR drop – opens 09 : 00, 7 days ahead in the "布达拉宫预约" mini-prog; choose 12 : 00 slot for softer interior light.
2
Altitude pacing – Climb Potala's 432 steps slowly; budget 45 min from plaza to Red Palace entry.
3
Jokhang dawn kora – Arrive 07 : 30 to join local pilgrims; first rooftop viewing deck opens 08 : 10.
4
Dress code – Shoulders & knees covered; wide-brim hats must be removed inside chapels.
5
Oxygen on standby – Clinics at Barkhor East St. sell portable O₂ cans (¥25) if you feel dizzy mid-visit.
4 Full 5A List
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# 1
Potala Palace Scenic Area / 布达拉宫景区
13-storey fortress-monastery (7th-17th c) • Red & White palaces • 2 000+ murals • Timed entry ¥200 (May–Oct) / ¥100 (Nov–Apr) • Passport + QR required.
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# 2
Jokhang Temple Scenic Area / 大昭寺景区
1 300-year spiritual core of Tibet • Jowo Shakyamuni statue • Barkhor circumambulation street • Ticket ¥85 • Free kora outside 24 h.
Tick Lhasa's twin 5A icons—faith, frescoes and thin-air views—No Tourist Traps. No BS.