八廓街

Barkhor Street is located in the heart of Lhasa’s Old Town, encircling the Jokhang Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the cradle of Lhasa’s urban civilization and has been designated as one of China’s Historic and Cultural Streets, boasting a history of more than 1,300 years. In Tibetan, “Barkhor” means “circumambulation route.” The street features a circular layout, spans approximately one kilometer in length, and is composed of four main streets interwoven with more than thirty ancient alleys. It fully preserves the character of this millennia-old ancient city in the Snowland and the cultural heritage of Tibet.

Barkhor Street was first established in the 7th century during the reign of Songtsen Gampo. With the completion of the Jokhang Temple, pilgrims began circling the temple clockwise day after day to pay their respects, gradually carving out this iconic ancient pilgrimage route. Over the centuries, this area has evolved from a simple pilgrimage route into a central district that blends faith, commerce, and residential life. It preserves numerous historic sites, such as the Stele Commemorating the Alliance Between Tang and Tubo, the Office of the Imperial Commissioner to Tibet, and Canggu Temple, all of which bear witness to the long history of cultural exchange between Han and Tibetan peoples.

The lustrous, polished bluestone pavement bears the footsteps of countless pilgrims. Flanking the street are Tibetan-style dwellings with white walls, red eaves, and exquisitely painted window frames. Prayer wheels line the street, swaying gently in the breeze, while the wispy smoke from burning incense drifts through the alleys. At dawn, local devotees dressed in traditional Tibetan attire and holding prayer wheels walk slowly in a circle; in front of the Jokhang Temple, one can see devout worshippers performing prostrations, creating a tranquil and sacred atmosphere; In the afternoon, the shops bustle with activity, lined with thangkas, Tibetan silver, Tibetan incense, and handmade jewelry, while the aroma of sweet tea wafts through the streets—a perfect blend of religious solemnity and the warmth of everyday life.

When strolling along Barkhor Street, visitors should follow the traditional custom of walking in a clockwise direction. As you wander through the deep, narrow alleys, you can explore the sites of ancient temples and experience the most authentic Tibetan daily life. This millennia-old path encapsulates the soul of Lhasa; it is the most vivid cultural tapestry of the Snowland Plateau and a classic must-visit landmark for anyone coming to Lhasa.