Lhasa, a place short on oxygen but not on faith. Inspired by a song, I journeyed to a city.

"Back to Lhasa, back to the Potala Palace, cleansing my heart in the Yarlung Tsangpo River, awakening my soul at the summit of the snow-capped mountains..." Zheng Jun's powerful and passionate "Back to Lhasa" is like a magical key, unlocking the yearning for this city of sunlight for countless people. In February, when most places are still in the grip of late winter chills, Lhasa exudes a unique sacred glow under the plateau's warm sun. With reverence and anticipation, I embarked on this journey of spiritual purification😃. 🔵Best time to visit February in Lhasa sees temperatures ranging from -5℃ to 10℃, with cold weather and significant temperature differences between day and night. However, this period coincides with the Tibetan New Year, and Lhasa is immersed in a rich festive atmosphere. Barkhor Street is decorated with extra joy, the Potala Palace appears even more majestic against the blue sky and white snow, and there are relatively few tourists, allowing for a deeper experience of Tibetan customs. It's an excellent time to explore Lhasa✨. 🔵Itinerary D1: Potala Palace → Barkhor Street → The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (Overnight) Arrive in Lhasa in the morning and, after a short rest, head to the Potala Palace. This magnificent palace, standing atop Red Mountain, has red and white walls that shimmer in the sunlight. Ascending the steps feels like traversing the long river of history, touching the glorious past of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tubo Dynasty. The palace is filled with countless treasures and exquisite murals, each detail telling a story of the past. In the afternoon, stroll along Barkhor Street, lined with traditional Tibetan buildings. Along the street, believers hold prayer wheels, circumambulating clockwise and chanting, the power of faith materialized at this moment. Here, you can also find exquisite Thangkas, Tibetan ornaments, and other unique souvenirs. In the evening, check in to The St. Regis Lhasa Resort. The hotel boasts an excellent location, offering distant views of the magnificent Potala Palace, while the rooms are comfortable and luxurious, alleviating altitude sickness and allowing for physical and mental relaxation. D2: Jokhang Temple → Ramoche Temple → Lhasa Pingcuo Kangsang Youth Hostel (Overnight) In the morning, visit Jokhang Temple. As a sacred place in Tibetan Buddhism, the square in front of the temple is already filled with worshipers, prostrating themselves and measuring the distance to their faith with their bodies. Entering Jokhang Temple, the golden roof shines, incense smoke curls, and the enshrined statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is solemn and awe-inspiring. In the afternoon, head to Ramoche Temple. Compared to the bustling Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple offers more tranquility, allowing for a deeper understanding of the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. In the evening, check in to the Lhasa Pingcuo Kangsang Youth Hostel, exchange experiences with travelers from all over the world, and experience the collision of diverse cultures. The hostel also provides thoughtful services such as oxygen supply to combat altitude sickness. D3: Sera Monastery → Return journey After breakfast, visit Sera Monastery, famous for its debating activities. In the afternoon, monks engage in lively debates in the debating courtyard, their gestures flying and their speech rapid. Even without understanding Tibetan, one can truly feel their passion for studying Buddhist doctrines. After visiting Sera Monastery, return home with a wealth of experiences and a fondness for this land. 🔵Transportation • Direct flights: Lhasa Gonggar International Airport has an increasing number of routes, and airport buses connect to various parts of the city, making travel convenient and efficient✈️. • Train travel: Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway into Tibet is a dream journey for many, with stunning scenery along the way, but it takes longer, allowing for gradual acclimatization to the high altitude🚉. 🔵Accommodation • Luxury: High-end hotels such as The St. Regis Lhasa Resort are close to core scenic areas, offer high-end amenities, and stunning views, allowing guests to experience the charm of the holy city in comfort. • Unique experiences: Specialty accommodations such as the Lhasa Pingcuo Kangsang Youth Hostel offer a lively atmosphere, easy integration into the local area, and opportunities to meet new friends and learn travel information. 🔵Must-see spots 📍Potala Palace (Red Mountain Viewing Platform): Take photos with the full view of the Potala Palace as a backdrop from the viewing platform, capturing the magnificent architecture against the clear blue sky, and freeze this breathtaking moment📸. 📍Jokhang Temple (Temple Square): Join the worshipers and take a selfie with the golden roof of Jokhang Temple as a backdrop, recording the devout atmosphere. 📍Sera Monastery (Debating Courtyard): At the edge of the debating courtyard, capture the unique cultural scene of Tibetan Buddhism with the lively debate as a backdrop. 🈲Tips: • February in Lhasa is cold, so be sure to bring your thickest down jacket, scarf, gloves, warm hat, etc.🧣, and take precautions against the cold. • Upon arrival in Lhasa, slow down your pace to prevent altitude sickness. Prepare altitude sickness medication in advance, rest more, and drink plenty of water. • Respect local religious customs, dress appropriately when entering temples, and follow the rules for worship and visits. During my few days in Lhasa, accompanied by the uplifting melody of "Back to Lhasa," I embraced faith, conversed with history, and walked with the plateau sunshine. Every wonderful aspect of this city is etched in my heart. Leaving filled with nostalgia, I look forward to returning to continue the story of Lhasa.💕