7 Best Place to Enjoy Night Views of Potala Palace in Lhasa (Updated for 2026)

Potala Palace, the iconic landmark of Tibet, is not only a go-to site for a trip in the daytime. Standing on the hill at the center of Lhasa City, the majestic Potala Palace looks even more amazing at night.

To better appreciate the night views of the Potala Palace, here, we’ve listed the best spots to see the Potala Palace from evening to night. Check the destinations to make your night in Lhasa truly unforgettable.

#1 Night View Spot for Potala Palace: Potala Palace Square

The Potala Palace Square is the best place and always the first place to take a complete front view of the Potala Palace. Even if you visit the Potala Palace and the square during the day, don’t miss the view when night falls.

Entering from the East Gate, you’ll first appreciate the spectacular view of the Potala Palace reflected in the artificial lake on the east side of the square. The neon lights on the lake bridge and street lights make the night view brighter and more colorful.

While walking to the center of the Potala Palace Square, you’ll absolutely be amazed by the night view of the Potala Palace. At night, the Potala Palace glows in the darkness, looking even more holy and majestic. If you arrive early at sunset, you’ll witness the holy Potala Palace bathed in the golden glory of the setting sun.

Potala Palace Square Opening Hours: 7:00 to 22:30
Nighttime Lighting: 20:00 to 23:00

The Potala Palace Square starts to clear out after 22:30 and the lights go off around 23:00 (may extend until 23:30 in summer). So, if you are looking for a night view of the Potala Palace from the square, you are suggested to go between 20:00 to 22:00.

Use a mirror on the ground to capture a stunning night shot of the Potala Palace.

#2 Night View Spot for Potala Palace: the Chakpori Hill

Located to the southwest of Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill is one of the best places to take photos of the Potala Palace. At the middle of the hill is a viewing platform, from where you can get the exact same view as the one featured on the back of the Chinese 50 yuan banknote (1999 edition).

From 200 meters southwest to the Potala Palace, it is perfect to take a photo of the entire structure with stunning layered scenery, as the white stupas in the foreground, the road in the middle, and the Potala Palace in the background.

The evening, from 6:00 to 20:00 could be the best time to take the photo of the Potala Palace at sunset. The glory of sunset enhances the grandeur of the palace. Since the viewing platform will be closed at night, please arrange your visit accordingly to avoid missing out.

The Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform Opening Hours:
Summer Season (April 15 to October 15): 7:00 - 20:00
Winter Season (October 16 to April 14): 8:00 - 19:00

Enjoy night view of Potala Palace in the Chakpori Hill.

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#3 Night View Spot for Potala Palace: Zongjiao Lukang Park

Zongjiao Lukang Park offers a unique view of the Potala Palace from behind. In the park, there is a lake at the foot of the hill, providing a stunning reflection of the Potala Palace.

During the day, it is a public park where local Tibetans come together to relax and enjoy leisure time with family and friends. The park also hosts traditional Guozhuang Dance performances, adding to its lively atmosphere.

When night falls, the park returns to tranquility. You can take a walk here after visiting the Potala Palace and enjoy the night view of the Potala Palace from almost every corner of the park. The park is open 24/7. You’ll need to pass a security check to enter.

Enjoy night view of Potala Palace in Zongjiao Lukang Park.

#4 Night View Spot for Potala Palace: Nanshan Park

On the southern side of Lhasa City, Nanshan Park is the perfect place for a panoramic view of the Potala Palace and downtown Lhasa. It takes 20 minutes to drive from the Potala Place, the city center, to the Nanshan Park.

For a great aerial view, head to the platform on the top of the hill, which is at an elevation of 4,070 meters above sea level. The hike usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. To prevent the altitude sickness, take it slow and give yourself time to acclimate.

From the hilltop, you’ll enjoy the scenery of the city and the Potala Palace, both lit up under the night sky. If you arrive about 1.5 hours before dusk, you can also get an amazing view of the majestic Potala Palace under the warm light of the setting sun.

The opening hour of Nanshan Park depends on the season. In summer, the night comes late, it may be closed around 21:00 while in winter time, it may be closed around 19:30. If you would like to go to the Nanshan Park for the night view of the Potala Palace, you can check the opening hours in advance with your tour guide.

Nanshan Park offers a breathtaking night view of the Potala Palace and downtown Lhasa.

#5 Night View Spot for Potala Palace: Princess Wencheng Show

Princess Wencheng Show is a large-scale live-action musical, telling the historical story of Princess Wencheng, a Tang Dynasty princess who was sent to Tibet in the 7th century to marry the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

The huge open-air theater offers a great stage for wonderful performances. You’ll enjoy the magnificent traditional Tibetan dancing and singing, performed by professional Tibetan actors and actresses, with stunning lights and real snow-capped mountains.

The theater is located on the south bank of the Lhasa River, about 8 kilometers away from the downtown, and takes a 20-minute drive to reach. From the theater, you can overlook the Potala Palace under the night sky. When the lights are on, this world’s cultural heritage is magnificent in the night, like a palace suspended over the old town of Lhasa.

The show time is 21:30 to 23:00 (open in the peak season from May to October). It is suggested to book the ticket in advance and take warm clothes for the night.

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#6 Night View Spot for Potala Palace: Night Bars Around

In Barkhor Street around the Jokhang Temple and Jiangsu Road, some bars offer stunning views of the Potala Palace. It could be a nice option for your nightlife in Lhasa. You’ll enjoy the chill night in local Tibetan bars, sipping local Lhasa beer and listening to the ethnic music blending with the night view of the Potala Palace.

Have a drink at a local bar and wait for nightfall with a view of the Potala Palace.

#7 Night View Spot for Potala Palace: Nearby Hotels

Do you ever imagine seeing the Potala Palace from your hotel? Some hotels in Lhasa offer great views of the Potala Palace, which means you can enjoy the night view of the Potala Palace without having to go out.

St. Regis Lhasa Hotel is one of the top luxury hotels in Lhasa. From the lobby, the bar on the 6th floor, and Potala Palace View rooms, you can see the Potala Palace directly. It is 3 kilometers away from the hotel to the Potala Palace.

Shangri-la Lhasa Hotel is another 5-star hotel in Lhasa that offers stunning views of the Potala Palace. Close to the Norbulingka, the summer palace, the Shangri-la Hotel is 1.5 kilometers from the Potala Palace, taking around a 20-minute walk.

Some more hotels in downtown Lhasa offer views of Potala Palaces. If you prefer a hotel with a view of the Potala Palace, feel free to let us know when inquiring about your Tibet tour.

Visit Potala Palace night view on the roof terrace of Shangri-la Hotel.

Is it safe to walk outside in Lhasa at night?

Of course, it is very safe to walk outside in Lhasa at night, especially in the central tourist areas such as Barkhor Street, Potala Palace Square, and the Jokhang Temple. The city has a strong security presence, with regular police patrols. Tourists, no matter whether domestic or foreign tourists may occasionally be asked to show ID cards or passports, so always carry your identification carefully.

It is still essential to take basic precautions like sticking to well-lit populated areas and avoiding isolated streets late at night. If you plan to go to bars at night, drink in moderation.

Lhasa is generally safe to explore at night.

Insider Tips for Enjoying Night Views of Potala Palace in Lhasa

The light-up time of the Potala Palace is usually at 19:00 in winter, and may be delayed to 20:15 in summer due to the later sunset. The lights are turned off between 23:00 to 24:00, depending on the season.

Due to the high altitude of Lhasa (at 3,650 meters above sea level), the temperature can drop sharply at night, even in summer. So be sure to prepare a warm coat to avoid catching a cold while enjoying the night view of the Potala Palace.

To take a better picture of the Potala Palace at night, a full-frame camera is recommended for better low-light performance. Suggested lenses include a wide-angle (16-35mm) for full views and a telephoto (70-200mm) for details.

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Conclusion

During the evening when Lhasa City and the Potala Palace are lit up with twinkling lights, you can appreciate incredible views of the majestic landmark. There are several view spots offering stunning views of the Potala Palace at night. Some of these can be visited both during the day and at night, but the Princess Wencheng Show is only available at night.

Don’t miss the chance to capture a nighttime photo while visiting the Potala Palace. You can feel safe, as Lhasa is one of the safest cities in China. The only thing you need to worry about is staying warm while you wander at night to get the perfect shot of the Potala Palace.

Whether you are looking for a lifetime memory of your trip to Lhasa or need assistance with arranging your Tibet tour, we at Tibet Vista will help make your experience smooth and unforgettable.