Overview
In Tibetan, "Barkor" means "transit road". Barkor street, also known as Bajiao street, is located in the old urban area of Lhasa. It is a famous transit road and commercial center in Lhasa. It has fully preserved the traditional appearance and living style of the ancient city. The original street of Barkor street is only a turning path around the Jokhang Monastery, which is called "holy road" by Tibetans.
Background
Barkor Street is for the construction of Jokhang Monastery, and with the development of Jokhang Monastery, it has a history of more than 1300 years.
In the 7th century, Songzan Ganbu ordered the construction of the Jokhang Monastery. At the same time, four palaces were built around the Wohu lake. He moved to the palace with his concubines and subjects, and personally supervised the progress of the Jokhang Monastery project. These four palaces are the earliest buildings in Barkor street.
After the completion of the Jokhang Monastery, many pilgrims began to pay homage to it. Over time, a path around the Jokhang Monastery was gradually stepped out, which was the original Barkor street. Around the Monastery, 18 family style buildings have been built to provide accommodation for pilgrims or businessmen.
After the 15th century, Jokhang Monastery became the center of Buddhism spread. Around it, monks' dormitories, religious schools and small temple buildings appeared one after another. Many Buddhists moved to live around Jokhang Monastery, and a large number of folk houses, shops, hotels, handicraft workshops and other facilities gradually appeared on the street.
What to see in Barkor Street
Turning path
Turning path is the most important one in Tibetan believers's mind. It means "middle circle" in Tibetan language, which is relative to "Linkao" and "nankuo" in Jokhang Monastery. As soon as the specific time of the evening prayer arrived, all kinds of believers, as if suddenly received a silent order, began to walk along the circular road in a strict clockwise direction.
Dalai Secret Palace
It is also known as the Amir maharai tavern. Most of the buildings in Barkor Street are white coclour. Only Amir maharai tavern in the southeast corner of bakuo street is a two-story building covered with yellow paint. This is the secret palace of Tsang Yang Gyatso, the Sixth Dalai Lama. "Majimami" is a beautiful legend spread in Tibetan areas, meaning Holy Mother, pure girl, or can be extended to a beautiful dream. Tsang Yang Gyatso is not only an outstanding religious spiritual leader in Tibetan history, but also a brilliant romantic poet.
Information
Admission Fee: Free
visit time: 1-2 hours
Opening Hours: 24 Hours