Photo taken on January 14, 2014 shows the magnificent Potala Palace in Lhasa.[Photo/Xinhua]

Lhasa is a city and administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism as well. Lhasa is the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining and, at an altitude of 3,490 metres (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. The city has been the religious and administrative capital of Tibet since the mid-17th century. It contains many culturally significant Tibetan Buddhist sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka Palaces. Besides, it is also one of the first 24 famous historic and cultural cities throughout the country published by State Council.

Tibet Autonomous Region was established in 1965, at that time the city covers an area of only 3 square kilometers with just 6 roads. After 50 years’ construction, Lhasa develops dramatically and urban built-up area reaches 70.29 square kilometers. The overall length of urban roads increases from several kilometers to 241 kilometers. Today, the ancient city Lhasa which has a history of more than one thousand years is standing on the snowy plateau with a brand-new look.

Photo taken on August 5, 2015 shows the city center of Lhasa[Photo/Xinhua]

Lhasa is a city and administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism as well. Lhasa is the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining and, at an altitude of 3,490 metres (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world.

Photo taken on August 13, 2015 shows the night view of Lhasa.[Photo/Xinhua]

Lhasa is a city and administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism as well. Lhasa is the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining and, at an altitude of 3,490 metres (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world.

Photo taken on August 6, 2015 shows the magnificent Potala Palace in Lhasa.[Photo/Xinhua]

Lhasa is a city and administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism as well. Lhasa is the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining and, at an altitude of 3,490 metres (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world.

Photo taken on August 6, 2015 shows the magnificent Potala Palace in Lhasa.[Photo/Xinhua]

Lhasa is a city and administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism as well. Lhasa is the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining and, at an altitude of 3,490 metres (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world.