Norbulingka is Tibet'sSummer Palaceand it means "Jeweled Park" in the Tibetan language. It isthe largest man-made gardenin Tibet. The garden covers an area of 46 acres (19 hectares) and the palace has 374 rooms of different sizes.
In the garden, visitors canworship Buddha, relax, and study the Tibetan-style palaces.
- Chinese:罗布林卡 Luóbù Línkǎ /lwor-boo lin-kaa/
- Location:2 kilometers (1.2 miles) west of the Potala Palace
- History:built in 1755
- Altitude:3650米(11975英尺)
- Activities:worshiping Buddha, relaxing, and studying the Tibetan-style palaces
Norbulingka
Highlights
It Is the Best Place to Adapt to the High Altitude
Inside Norbulingka, there are more than 100 plant species as well as many kinds of flowers from home and abroad. This royal garden's green environment provides the most oxygen in the city of Lhasa.
Therefore, we recommend visiting this place on the first day to adapt to thehigh altitude.
Dalai Lamas Handled Official Business There in Summer
Since theseventh Dalai Lama, Norbulingka became theplacefor his successors to deal with theiraffairs, hold celebrations, spend the hot summer, rest, and conduct religious activities.
Inmid-Marchevery year, the Dalai Lama would move there fromthe Potala Palaceand stayuntil the end of October, when he would return to the Potala Palace. This is why Norbulingka is called theSummer Palacewhile the Potala Palace is known as theWinterPalace.
Watching the Production Process of Thangka
Thangka, also called "tangka", is a unique kind ofTibetan scroll paintingwith silk embroidery. It depicts all aspects of Tibet, including its religion, history, politics, culture, and social life.
Thangka unveiling at the Shoton Festival
The Shoton Festival — a Yogurt Eating Celebration
Norbulingka isan important celebratory placefor theShoton Festival, a grand traditional festival in Tibet. After watching the ceremony of the "Sunning of the Buddha" atDrepung Monastery, people go to Norbulingka to continue their festival celebrations.
Various activities are held there, such as shooting, archery, singing, and dancing. People also gather on the open ground to have picnics and eat yogurt.
Tibetan Opera — the Living Fossil of Traditional Tibetan Culture
During the festival, besides Tibetan yogurt, another favorite of the Tibetan people isTibetan Opera. Performances of Tibetan Opera go on from morning until dusk for about a week, and these are the best ones in the whole of Tibet.
Tour Norbulingka with China Highlights
If you wanta Tibet tour including Norbulingka, see our most popular tour below, for inspiration.
- 5-Days Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok -Tour: See Lhasa’s highlights and a lakeside picnic nearby Tibetan holy Lake-Lake Yomdrok.
- 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour: Explore mysterious Tibet in comfort. Watch the colorful prayer flags flutter and pilgrims' worshipful walks.
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