Lhasa is a city in southwest China in the Autonomous Region of Tibet with a population of over half a million. It lies at an altitude of 3,658 m and has an area of about 53 km². It is the historical and religious center of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. Until 1959, Lhasa was also the seat of the Dalai Lama. The modern history of the city began during the work of the Fifth Dalai Lama in the late 17th century. He established Lhasa as the center and capital of the Tibetan Empire. He began construction of the Potala Palace, which was not completed until after his death. The Palace, it is part of the UNESCO cultural heritage. For several centuries, Lhasa was a "forbidden city" for all who came from the West. Life in the city was significantly influenced by religion. Almost half of the population was monks. At present, tourism occupies an increasingly important place. Steve