Chakpori Hill Viewpoint
药王山
A small hill southwest of the Potala Palace. The viewing platform is the angle used for the Potala Palace on the back of the 50-yuan banknote.
Chakpori (Tibetan: Chakpo Ri), the 'Iron Mountain', faces the Potala Palace on the Red Hill across the road. It takes its name from the Tibetan medical college that once stood there. The viewing platform on the mountainside is the best place to photograph the full Potala Palace. The back of the fifth series of renminbi 50-yuan note uses a view from this angle, and visitors often pose with the banknote. The viewing platform is free. The climb up the steps takes about 5 to 10 minutes, so move slowly at altitude. At the foot of the hill is a wall of painted rock carvings (the Thousand Buddha Cliff), where pilgrims walk clockwise in an unbroken stream. The palace lights up after sunset, so you can return for night photos.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Potala Palace Square
- Potala Palace
- Lukhang Park
- Tibet Museum
- Norbulingka
- Ramoche Temple
- Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
- Tromsikhang Market