Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple

The epitome of Tibetan architecture, and indeed Tibetan nationhood in general, the grand Potala Palace in Lhasa was built in 1645 and is actually home to two palaces – the Red Palace and the White Palace. Since the 17th century, this World Heritage site has been the primary home of the venerated Dalai Lama until political strife and Chinese invasion caused the current Buddhist religion leader to flee the country. Each Dalai Lama since Lobsang Gyatso, who was responsible for the construction of the palaces, has been buried here. The 7th century Johkang Monastery adds even more religious significance to the site, famous for its gold statue of an adolescent Sakyamuni Buddha.