Yungbulakang Palace

Historical Overview
Yongbulakang’s history spans over 2,200 years, beginning with Nyatri Tsenpo’s reign (c. 127 BCE). It later became the coronation site for Songtsen Gampo (617–650 CE), Tibet’s first Buddhist emperor, who unified the region and married Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. The palace declined after the 14th century but was restored in the 1980s as a cultural symbol. Key events include the 8th-century translation of Buddhist sutras here and the 1959 Tibetan uprising, after which it transitioned into a museum. Today, it symbolizes Tibet’s pre-Buddhist Bon heritage and dynastic resilience.

Structural Layout
The palace’s layout reflects Tibetan cosmology and military strategy:

1. Lower Courtyard: A defensive zone with stone walls and watchtowers, guarded by historic cannons.
2. Main Hall (Karmar): A 3-story structure with murals depicting Nyatri Tsenpo and Bon deities.
3. Upper Chapel (Lhakhang): A Buddhist prayer hall added in the 10th century, housing a 1.5-meter-tall silver statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
4. Coronation Platform: A 10-meter-wide stone terrace where Tibetan kings were anointed.
   Key structures include the Golden Roof Pavilion (restored 1982) and the Bon Po Scripture Chamber, storing ancient texts.

Major Attractions

1. Nyatri Tsenpo Murals: 1,500-year-old frescoes illustrating the king’s descent from heaven.
2. Coronation Stone: A glacial erratic used in royal inaugurations, inscribed with Tang Dynasty seal scripts.
3. Silver Stupa: A 9th-century relic containing relics of Bon master Tonpa Shenrab.
4. Yarlung Valley Viewpoint: Offers vistas of the Brahmaputra River and surrounding barley fields.
5. Ancient Cannon Array: Ming Dynasty-era bronze cannons (1368–1644) positioned at the courtyard entrance.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   • Entrance Gate → Lower Courtyard → Main Hall Murals → Coronation Platform → Upper Chapel → Yarlung Valley Viewpoint → Exit
   • Highlights: Core historical sites and panoramic vistas.
2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   • Entrance Gate → Bon Po Scripture Chamber → Golden Roof Pavilion → Silver Stupa → Ancient Cannon Array → Main Hall → Coronation Platform → Exit
   • Highlights: Religious artifacts and defensive architecture.
3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   • Entrance Gate → Lower Courtyard → Main Hall → Upper Chapel → Coronation Platform → Bon Po Scripture Chamber → Golden Roof Pavilion → Silver Stupa → Yarlung Valley Viewpoint → Ancient Cannon Array → Exit
   • Highlights: In-depth exploration of cultural and military heritage.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via the Tibet Cultural Heritage Bureau’s website (up to 5 days in advance).
• On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance, but limited during peak seasons (May–October).
• Prices:
  • Peak Season (May–October): ¥90 (adults), ¥45 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (November–April): ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and Tibetan residents with ID.

Transportation

• From Lhasa:
  • Bus: Take a bus from Lhasa North Station to Shannan City (4 hours, ¥120), then a taxi to Yongbulakang (30 minutes, ¥50).
  • Private Tour: Available through Lhasa agencies (¥800–1,200 for a day trip).
• From Shannan City:
  • Taxi: 30-minute ride (¥50–70).
• Self-Drive: Parking available at the base of the hill (¥10/day).

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM; visit early (9 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
• Crowds: May–October and Tibetan festivals (e.g., Losar) are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
• Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) offer clear skies. Winters are cold (below -10°C).
• Essentials:
  • Wear layers (temperatures fluctuate 10°C between day and night).
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat (high altitude UV exposure).
  • Carry cash (credit cards not widely accepted).
  • Photography: Allowed except inside chapels; tripods prohibited.
• Prohibited Items: Drones, large backpacks, and political flags.