Visitors to the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Potala Palace in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region – will have to reserve the tickets one day in advance starting from July 21.

The measure aims to better protect the site and ensure the safety of the cultural relics by controlling the daily number of visitors, according to the local administration.

Tourists can book the tickets via its official website after registration and pay by Alipay – the only supported payment method.

The other option is to make reservations at the ticket office one day in advance. Valid identifications are required, including the second-generation Chinese citizens ID card or a temporary ID card. Each person is allowed to purchase a maximum of four tickets. The booking starts from 8 a.m. until the daily tickets are sold out.

The admission fee costs 200 yuan (29 U.S. dollars) from May to October and 100 yuan (14.5 U.S. dollar) for the rest of the year. 

Tibet has seen a tourism boom since July. As the highest ancient palace in the world, the Potala Palace is considered the defining symbol of Tibet.

Read more: Tips for tourists visiting Tibet's new Potala Palace route

(Cover image: The Potala Palace in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo)