The Potala Palace Shopping
There are various special local products in Lhasa, such as Tibetan Handicrafts, Tibetan artwork, Tibetan medicines, Tibetan incense and Tibetan silver ornaments. Barkhor Street is the famous shopping center for buying Tibetan souvenirs. Hundreds of artworks and handicraft shops and stalls line up on the street. Tibetan rugs, knives, broadswords, traditional clothes, gold and silver jewelry, Thangka and all kinds of traditional handmade craftwork can easily be found in this street.
What to Buy around Potala Palace
Thangka
It is originally a Tibetan silk painting with embroidery, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, famous scene, or mandala of some sort. It also can be made by paper, cloth, embroidery and brocade. Most of the Thangka focuses on the motifs of Tibetan Buddhism. Thangka is treasured by the local people for distinguished ethnical characteristics, rich religious flavor and unique artistic style. Tibetan Thangka actually is valued for its precision, balance and variety.
Tibetan Rug
an ancient and traditional craft, is traditionally made from Tibetan highland sheep's wool. Tibetan rug is said to have a history of six hundred years. This kind of carpet is weaved with bright and harmonious colors that will last very long. The soft, delicate and durable carpet has high value of appreciation and collection for its national feature of design.
Religious Objects
Tibet has a long history of Buddhism. In Tibet, many people's lives are dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism. Religious customs are part of everyday life, from chanting mantras and prostrating in a local square to walking the "kora’ around a temple or sacred site. Therefore, religious objects are essential. Among the best known religious souvenirs which you can carry back to your land from Tibet are the Tibetan Incense sticks, the Tibetan prayer wheels, Tibetan Buddhas and the prayer flags.
Tibetan Medicines
Except for handicrafts and the other religious souvenirs, the medicines are also important aspects to test your shopping experience in Tibet. The Tibetan medicines are totally herbal but they work very fast unlike the modern day medicines. The Tibetan medicines like saffron, aweto and snow lotus are the popular medicinal herbs that they use for curative purposes.
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Where to Buy around Potala Palace
Barkhor Thangka Painting Department Store
Address: East Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa
What to Buy: Thangka
Located in East Barkhor Street, it is recommended to buy Thangka for it is a professional place of making and selling the beautiful Tibetan artwork. The shop assistants speak both Chinese and English. Strolling in this shop is also an opportunity of learning how to make Thangka. Besides, Snowland Handmade Thangka Store in South Barkhor Street is also a famous shop for buying Thangka.
Chongsaikang Tashi Market
Address: Chongsikang Lane, Chengguan district, Lhasa
What to buy: Local products, foods, garments, daily used articles, etc.
As the oldest market in Lhasa, Chongsaikang Market is a place to experience the real life of local people when you are traveling in Tibet. Chongsaikang Tashi Market is the market that local people will go. The goods in Chongsaikang is cheaper than in Barkhor Street.
Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market
Address: No.30 Barkhor West Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa
What to buy: Thangkas, Tibetan Painting, Tibetan Carpets, ornaments, Tibetan Barley Wine, Tibetan Sweet Tea, Air-dried
Please Note: Bargaining with the vendors is always necessary. It is recommended that you walk clockwise around the Barkhor street to see the vendors. One more tip, you'd better go shopping on this street in the morning or evening for Tibetan people value their first or last customer highly.
