Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Welcome to Lhasa, a city and prefecture-level division in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. With an area of 29,274 square kilometres (11,303 sq mi) and a population of 474,490, of whom 387,124 were ethnic Tibetans, Lhasa is a unique and fascinating destination for travelers. The city lies in south-central Tibet, to the north of the Himalayas, and its urban center is Lhasa, with around 300,000 residents. The city is traversed by two major highways and by the Qinghai–Tibet railway, which terminates in the city of Lhasa. The climate is semi-arid monsoon, with a low average temperature of 1.2 to 7.5 °C (34.2 to 45.5 °F). The upland areas and northern grasslands are used for grazing yaks, sheep and goats, while the river valleys support agriculture with crops such as barley, wheat and vegetables. Wildlife is not abundant, but includes the rare snow leopard and black-necked crane. Tibetan Buddhism and monastic life have been dominant aspects of the local culture since the 7th century, and many restored monasteries serve as tourist attractions. Join us as we explore the geography, geology, climate, environment and culture of Lhasa, and discover the many reasons why it is a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.