The interesting parts of Lhasa are the old town area, where the Jokhang and several other temples, and Barhkor is located; Potala which is just outside the old town; as well as Sera and Drepung Monasteries on the outskirts of the city. Those alone will take you 3-4 days to see all, and it's not just 2 or 3 monuments. And there are various very worthwhile day trips out of Lhasa to see the scenery, wild lives, and/or more monasteries. The rest of the city looks like hundreds of other non-descript Chinese cities, populated by Han Chinese.

But I am not sure what you're really asking. You do go to Tibet to experience its culture. And that you will get plenty in Lhasa. But that's not what interest you, then it's not worth the trouble with the cost, altitude and hassle of getting the TTB permit.

I agree with rkkwan. I don't understand your question. What makes a city an "attractive/fascinating" place to you? I would certainly go to Lhasa "just" for the culture and major buildings.

Well, take (much bigger) Beijing for instance. As a whole, the city is fascinating. Not only can you see interesting spiritual sites but there are several other kinds of sites to see to, which makes the city a 'well-rounded' destination. In that regard, is Lhasa a 'well-rounded' destination or is it predominately for the religious/spiritual sites and feel for Tibetan culture and really little else?

It's a place for the curious traveler.
We travel to see interesting and wonderful "sites" and places AND to experience something different.
You decide what you want to see, feel and experience and then decide.
Have a great trip, whatever you decide.

Take away the Tibetan sites and culture, and Lhasa is like hundreds of other Chinese cities. Nothing worth seeing. And scenery isn't that spectacular until you get a little bit out of the city.

Take away the Tibetan sites and culture, and Lhasa is like hundreds of other Chinese cities. Nothing worth seeing.

If Lhasa were convenienty located, I'd say sure, let's do it...but it isn't. So, if there are only a handful of sites plus the culture then no, I don't want to do it. However, if the city is filled with sites and is fascinating as a whole and not just because of a few major attractions, then I'd make the effort. That's why I was/am asking...

You ad correct. It is clearly not a place for everybody.

rkkwan,

Are you saying there are only a handful of sites then? I am not criticizing, just trying to understand.

I'm still trying to understand why you wouldn't find Tibetan culture fascinating. I suppose it's good we all have different interests, when I finally make it to Lhasa the fewer other tourists the better.

thursdaysd,

I might go anyway, but I want to know if the city itself boasts plenty of sites or if there are few and it's really the surroundings and the culture to look forward to.

Enjoyed seeing Tibet. Would I go again?....hummm, I would have to really think about that question. It's not for everyone. Really depends on the type of traveler you are and what makes you happy.

I already mentioned the main sites in my above posts, and those alone will take 3-4 days to cover in the city, not including excursions out of the city. I don't know what your defintion of "a handful" is.

The sites are Tibetan culture. I don't know why and how you separate the two. I can't figure that part. You can take a look at my pictures here. All the places we went are "Tibetan". You can't find them in most parts of China or other places in the world. And we don't care about Han/Chinese stuff in Tibet:

http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/tibet0610

Look at Days 2-4 and 20. Those are our main days in Lhasa. Those are things you're going to see there. If they seem interesting to you, go; if not, then don't.

There are not going to be a "Tibet Culture Show" or acrobats. There are no zoos or aquarium or museums (other than the Potala, which IS a museum now). There is not much of a nightlife or bar scene - you probably won't want to drink for the first few days anyhow. You are not going to see lots of snow-capped mountains until you go out of the city. There is no river cruise, there's no hop-on hop-off buses. There is no Michelin-starred restaurant. Shopping is limited to Tibetan souvenirs; LVMH and Gucci haven't expanded to there yet, I believe.

Hope that gives you a better view of the city. It'll help if you explain what exactly you think you're looking for, or what you think are missing that is important for you to make the decision.

Hi rkkwan,

Your photos are incredible, really. I am curious, where was this was taken: http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/tibet062410/h26beefbd#h7316645 Otherwise, you did a great job explaining to me about Lhasa. Have you been to Kaifeng, Lijiang and/or Xi'an? Those were the other 3 places I wanted to research. Is Xi'an a city filled with good sites and energy or is the predominant reason to visit not really for the city but rather the Terracotta Warriors? As for Kaifeng, Lijiang, would you go out of your way to see them or not really?

That photo was taken at the Ani Sangkhung Nunnery. Inside the old city, but is not on most tourist books. Our Tibetan guide took us there. Lots of locals go there for noodles and yak milk tea.

Xian is a huge city and is full of history. Afterall, it was the capital of China during two of its most important dynasties - Western Han and Tang. Not to mention the earlier Qin (of that famous emperor). And its city walls. Much much more than just the terracotta warriors.

Kaifeng is another historical city, but smaller and fewer sites than Xian.

Lijiang has incredible scenery, and that part of Yunnan Province is comfortable and enjoyable to visit year round. You'll get a feel of some minority culture there, as Lijiang was mostly Naxi in the past, but now a lot of Han Chinese have moved in. It is a fairly small city, but with plenty of foreign visitors. So, you'll see more tourist service catered to westerners.

Lijiang is also the gateway to other parts of Yunnan like the Jade Dragon Mountain and Shangri-La/Zhongdian. So, it's a mini tourist hub.

Regarding Xi'an, you might find Iowa_Redhead's trip report from 2010 helpful - she provides a very detailed account of her time! This link is to the beginning of her days in Xi'an (scroll up for the background info and earlier part of the trip):
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/a-redhead-in-china.cfm#comment-6839553