When was lhasa built

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Lhasa was traditionally founded in the 7th century CE, around 637 AD, by King Songtsen Gampo, who established it as the capital of the Tibetan Empire and built the first structures, including the Jokhang Temple.

Key Facts

Lhasa was founded around 637 AD by King Songtsen Gampo.
The Jokhang Temple, one of Lhasa's oldest buildings, was completed in 647 AD.
Lhasa became the political and religious center of Tibet under the 5th Dalai Lama in 1642.
The Potala Palace construction began in 1645 on Red Hill.
Lhasa reached an estimated population of 200,000 by the late 20th century.

Overview

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region in China, has served as a spiritual and political hub for centuries. Its origins trace back to the early 7th century when it emerged as the center of the Tibetan Empire under King Songtsen Gampo.

The city's establishment is traditionally dated to 637 AD, when the king unified Tibetan clans and selected Lhasa as his capital. This marked the beginning of Lhasa’s transformation into a religious and cultural heartland for Tibetan Buddhism.

Founded in 637 AD: King Songtsen Gampo established Lhasa as the capital after unifying Tibetan tribes and forming a centralized state.
Jokhang Temple construction began in 647 AD: This sacred site, built to house a revered Buddha statue, became the spiritual nucleus of Tibetan Buddhism.
Geographic significance: Lhasa lies at an elevation of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), making it one of the highest cities in the world.
Historical continuity: Despite invasions and political shifts, Lhasa has remained a center of Tibetan culture and governance for over 1,300 years.
Urban development: The old city center, known as Barkhor, developed around the Jokhang Temple and remains a pilgrimage circuit today.

How It Works

Lhasa’s historical and cultural functions are rooted in its religious institutions, urban layout, and political legacy. The city operates as both a pilgrimage destination and an administrative capital, shaped by centuries of religious and geopolitical evolution.

Religious Pilgrimage: Devotees from across Tibet and neighboring regions travel to Lhasa to circumambulate the Jokhang Temple, a practice believed to accumulate spiritual merit.
Dalai Lama’s Role: From the 17th century onward, the Dalai Lama served as both spiritual and political leader, with the Potala Palace as his winter residence.
Monastic Influence: Major monasteries like Sera, Drepung, and Ganden, founded in the 15th century, housed tens of thousands of monks and shaped religious education.
Trade and Economy: Lhasa historically hosted large trade fairs, connecting Tibet with China, India, and Central Asia through the Silk Road’s southern routes.
Administrative Center: After the 1951 annexation by China, Lhasa became the seat of the Tibet Autonomous Region government, blending traditional and modern governance.
Modern Infrastructure: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, completed in 2006, drastically increased access to Lhasa, bringing over a million tourists annually by 2019.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Lhasa with other historically significant high-altitude capitals and religious centers.

City	Founded	Elevation (m)	Primary Role	Key Structure
Lhasa	637 AD	3,650	Religious & Political	Potala Palace
La Paz (Bolivia)	1548	3,650	Administrative	Palacio Quemado
Shigatse	9th century	3,840	Religious	Tashilhunpo Monastery
Kathmandu	2nd century	1,400	Cultural & Religious	Swayambhunath
Quito (Ecuador)	1534	2,850	Political	Palacio de Carondelet

While Lhasa shares high elevation with cities like La Paz and Quito, its unique role as the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism distinguishes it. Unlike secular capitals, Lhasa’s urban form evolved around monasteries and pilgrimage routes, reinforcing its spiritual identity.

Why It Matters

Understanding when and how Lhasa was built reveals its enduring significance in Asian history, religion, and geopolitics. The city remains a symbol of Tibetan identity and a focal point in Sino-Tibetan relations.

Cultural Preservation: Lhasa’s historic districts are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving centuries-old architecture and traditions.
Religious Significance: Over 150,000 pilgrims visit the Jokhang Temple annually, underscoring its global importance in Buddhism.
Political Symbolism: The Potala Palace, once the Dalai Lama’s seat, now serves as a museum, reflecting shifting political control.
Tourism Economy: Lhasa contributes significantly to Tibet’s economy, with tourism revenue exceeding 50 billion yuan ($7.2 billion) in 2019.
Environmental Challenges: Rapid urbanization and climate change threaten Lhasa’s fragile high-altitude ecosystem.
Geopolitical Tensions: China’s infrastructure investments in Lhasa are viewed by some as cultural assimilation, raising international concerns.

Lhasa’s founding in the 7th century laid the foundation for a city that continues to shape regional identity and global discourse on culture, religion, and autonomy.