At dawn, the white walls of the Potala Palace, Lhasa, Xizang, are gently touched by the first light of day. Lhasa, a city embedded in mountains, wakes up from a quiet sleep. In winter, it is not as bustling as in the peak tourist season, but it can still hold you spellbound with its plain and tranquility. Here are the four excellent places you should not miss to understand the unique charm of winter Lhasa.

Lhalu Wetland: Encounter the Home of Waterbirds

In winter, the Lhalu Wetland serves as a sweet home for birds. Withered yellow reeds sway in the wind, providing a natural shelter for waterfowl against cold and snow. Across the reeds, the lake is a clear mirror, reflecting the silhouette of the graceful Potala Palace. It is a great place for a stroll and bird watching.

Nanshan Park: Chase the Light at Dawn

Visiting Lhasa, the “city of sunlight”, you should not miss a unique sunrise-watching trip.

At 6:30 in the morning, when Lhasa is still in darkness, go and visit Nanshan Park. After entering the park, move forward on the cement road on the left side, climb up the stairs at the first mountain entrance to reach the glass observation deck, and wait here for the dawn. Opposite the Potala Palace, it is an excellent place for sunrise watching for its wide view. At around 8:30, the first soft light of the sun will illuminate the Drepung Monastery at the foot of the mountain and then slowly moves to the Potala Palace.

Dzongyab Lukhang Park: “Backyard Garden” of the Potala Palace

Dzongyab Lukhang Park is often considered the “backyard garden” of the Potala Palace and a paradise of leisure for the Lhasa people.

If you love serenity, you may lean against the stone railing, enjoying the warm sunshine and appreciating the beautiful scenery. If you love crowds, why not join the locals for the happy Gorchom circle dance.

“The Most Beautiful S-Shaped Bend”: Capture the Filmic Moments

The S-shaped bend in Cijuelin Cultural and Creative Park, Lhasa, is a popular must-visit destination for self-driving tourists and motorcycle enthusiasts. Because of its elevated terrain, and expansive vista, this location offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the magnificent Potala Palace and the bustling city of Lhasa. It is one of the few vantage points where you can capture most of the Lhasa city all in a single frame. Tourists often drive along the S-bend, taking pictures or making videos with the cityscape as a backdrop. In this filmic big scene, you can be your own leading actor/actress!