As one of the most important festivals in Tibet, Shoton festival is a happy day for all Tibetans. Besides the grand ceremony of sunning Buddha's portrait, people may also enjoy the jubilant Tibetan opera performance, yak matches, and many other pleasures.

 Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, built on the Potala Hill (Red Hill), is an extremely magnificent castle. Work to construct it began in 7th century of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in honor of the Tang Princess Wenchen who was sent to marry Zhanpu King of Tufen Kingdom in Tibet.

However, the original palace was destroyed by lightning and war damage during Landama's reign. In 17th century under the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Potala was rebuilt. The 13th Dalai Lama extended it to its present size of 115 meters in height and 360 meters in width.

The outer walls of the central part of the Potala Palace are painted red, earning it the name of the Red Palace. Inside is the stupa hall containing stupa for the Dalai Lamas of all ages, as well as Buddhist halls. The east and west of the Red Palace are linked to the east and west White Palaces. The east White Palace holds the living area of the Dalai Lamas, while the west White Palace serves as monks' living quarters. Extending forward from the lower part of the Red Palace is a white terrace linking the east and west White Palaces, inside of which are various storage areas.

The Red Palace is the highest and the largest. In the middle, there is a concave balcony belt running through the upper and lower parts, along with many gilded copper-tile roofed small halls on the flat-top, which enrich the composition of the whole palace and naturally become the composition center commanding the entire area.

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