The Potala Palace, Lhasa

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, is one of the most iconic structures in China. Perched on Marpo Ri Hill, at an altitude of 3,700 meters, the palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. The palace was originally built in the 7th century and expanded in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama. The complex features 13 stories and over 1,000 rooms, including chapels, tombs of past Dalai Lamas, and countless artifacts of Tibetan culture and religion. The Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from around the world.