Norbulingka (Summer Palace of Dalai Lama): General Introduction
Norbulingka is located in the western suburb of Lhasa City, about 1 kilometer southwest of Potala Palace. In Tibetan language, Norbu means treasures and Lingka means garden, so according to the literal meaning, Norbulingka means Treasures’ Garden. It is the summer palace for Dalai Lama in past dynasties. As the largest garden in Tibet, Norbulingka is of the typical Tibetan garden structure, covers an area of 360,000 square meters and has 374 rooms.
The park was first built by the 7th Dalai Lama in 1755. Then the successive Dalai added some extension to it. In 1783, the Norbulingka Park and the Summer Palace were completed under the reign of the 8th Dalai Lama, Jampel Gyatso, who made Norbulingka featured by garden style.
The garden has more than 100 plants, including the usual flowers and trees in Lhasa area, rare plants ofHimalaya, and exotic flowers introduced from other countries. No doubt some people call Norbulingka the botanical garden on plateau.
Norbulingka contains several palace complexes, such as the Kelsang Potrang, Tsokyil Potrang, Golden Linka and Taken Migyur Potrang. Each palace complex is divided into three sections-the palace section, the section in front of the palaces and the woods. Kelsang Potrang is situated on the southeast inside the second wall. Tsokyil Potrang, located on the northwest of Kelsang Potrang, is the most beautiful spot in Norbulingka. The various palace complexes are constructed mainly by stone and wood. The walls on those major halls or palaces are decorated by exquisite murals. Additionally, Norbulingka houses a large quantity of old scriptures and cultural relics.
Norbulingka Travel Tips:
Address: on the west suburb of Lhasa City.
Admission Fee: CNY 80 on tourist season; CNY 60 on the off season.
Opening Hours: 09:00-12:00 in the morning; and is reopened on 15:00.