In short
- The White Palace served as the administrative center and the Dalai Lamas' living quarters.
- The Red Palace contains sacred chapels, prayer halls, and gilded stupa tombs.
- Visitors tour both sections but are limited to a strict 1-hour time limit inside.
In this article
When you visit the 1,300-year-old Potala Palace in Lhasa, you walk through two massive, distinct areas. King Songtsen Gampo first built on the site in the 7th century, and it later became the political center of Tibet. Understanding the difference between the White and Red Palaces helps you make sense of the complex's 1,000 rooms and 10,000 shrines during your 1-hour interior visit.
What is the White Palace (Phodrang Karpo)?
The White Palace is the former administrative headquarters and the personal residence of the Dalai Lamas.
It contains the Main Assembly Hall, where you can see the Dalai Lama's throne and murals depicting Tibetan history. The upper chambers housed the Dalai Lamas' living quarters. These rooms feature thick walls and large windows to capture the high-altitude sun. Outside, the Eastern Courtyard (Deyang Shar) was used for ceremonies and traditional Tibetan opera.
The signature white exterior walls are painted with a traditional mixture of white lime, milk, honey, and sugar.
What is the Red Palace (Phodrang Marpo)?
The Red Palace is the spiritual heart of the Potala Palace, dedicated entirely to religious study and prayer.
This section is packed with chapels and the elaborate Stupa Tombs of past Dalai Lamas. The most famous is the tomb of the 5th Dalai Lama, decorated with precious jewels and thousands of kilograms of gold. You will also find the Great West Hall, the largest room in the Red Palace, covered in detailed murals.
Inside the Red Palace, you will also pass the Dharma Cave. This 7th-century meditation space is one of the oldest surviving parts of the original structure.
How do the functions of the two palaces compare?
The White Palace managed the daily governance of Tibet, while the Red Palace was reserved strictly for spiritual duties.
Think of the White Palace as the state capital and the Red Palace as the central cathedral. Both spaces connect to form the political center of Tibet from 1649 until 1959. Your mandatory guided tour will walk you through both sections to show you the dual nature of Tibetan leadership.
Are there different rules for visiting the White and Red Palaces?
No, the strict visitor rules apply across both sections of the Potala Palace.
You are limited to exactly 1 hour inside the inner palace halls. Photography is strictly prohibited inside both the White and Red Palace chapels and halls. Modest dress is required throughout. Shoulders and knees must remain covered, and you must remove hats and sunglasses before entering.
Which palace takes longer to visit?
Your time will be split evenly, but you must complete your entire interior tour within 1 hour.
Your licensed tour guide will set the pace to ensure you see the highlights of both areas. You will likely spend about 15 minutes viewing the Dalai Lamas' Living Quarters in the White Palace and another 15 minutes at the Stupa Tombs in the Red Palace. It takes an additional 30 to 45 minutes to climb the 1,000 steps just to reach the main palace doors.
Do I need separate tickets for the White and Red Palaces?
No, one general admission ticket grants you entry to the entire Potala Palace complex.
Tickets cost 200 CNY from May to October and 100 CNY from November to April. You cannot buy same-day tickets at the site. Your travel agency will reserve your ticket in advance, and your original passport is required for entry. Read more about Tickets and Prices to plan your budget.
Questions travellers ask
Why is the Potala Palace painted red and white?
The colors signify the dual functions of the complex. The White Palace handled state administration, while the Red Palace served as the spiritual and religious center.
Can you take photos inside the Red Palace?
No. Photography is strictly prohibited inside all halls and chapels of both the Red Palace and the White Palace.
How many rooms are in the White and Red Palaces combined?
The entire Potala Palace complex contains over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues.
