The holy city of Lhasa, the brightest gem on the Tibetan Plateau, the pilgrimage destination for Tibetans and Buddhists alike. Originally named "Rasa," meaning "Fortified City," it was chosen by Songtsen Gampo in 633 AD as the seat of the Tibetan Empire. Later, the development of Tibetan Buddhism would make Lhasa become known as the "Place of the Gods," shaping the city into what we know today.

Following the collapse of the Empire, the Tibetan Plateau was plagued by centuries of warlordism, dimming Lhasa's sacred light. Its greatness was only restored in the 16th century with the establishment of the Ganden Phodrang regime. From that point on, Lhasa has remained the heart of Tibet, and the beauty of the Potala Palace stands unshaken despite the passage of time.

However, not even the holy city can escape the tides of history forever. From the Qing Empire to the Republic of China, from the British to the Indians, foreign influences have gradually made their way into Lhasa, disrupting the long-standing status quo of the Tibetan people. Under the gaze of the young Dalai Lama, Lhasa's future is uncertain, and only time can tell how the city will weather the storms ahead.