Norbulingka: A microcosm of cultural heritage protection in Xizang

In Xizang, places where mountains, rivers, springs, grasslands, forests and wildlife converge are regarded as ideal settings for leisure and recreation. Known as "Lingka," such places can be found across the region. In summer, people flock to them for outings, picnics and relaxation.

Located in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, about one kilometer west of the Potala Palace, Norbulingka takes its name from a transliteration of Tibetan meaning "Treasure Garden." It once served as the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas and stands as the largest, most beautifully designed and most historically rich garden complex in Xizang – an exceptional blend of palace architecture and landscaped gardens. First constructed in the mid-18th century, Norbulingka underwent several expansions before reaching its present scale in the early 20th century.

Covering 360,000 square meters, the garden features major palaces such as Uyab Phodrang, Kelzang Phodrang and Golden Phodrang. Towering ancient trees, vibrant flowers, winding paths and elegantly arranged pavilions create a tranquil and picturesque setting. Norbulingka is also a vast repository of cultural and artistic treasures, housing numerous gilt-bronze statues, exquisite murals and a wealth of artifacts. In 1988, it was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by China's State Council, and in December 2001, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Since the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region in 1965, the Chinese government has placed great importance on cultural heritage protection in Xizang. Following the principle of "prioritizing urgent needs and restoring as closely as possible to the original condition," more than 1,400 heritage sites, including Norbulingka, have been repaired and restored. Millions of precious cultural relics have been conserved, while numerous historic sites and ancient buildings have been effectively protected, restored, utilized and managed.

By the end of 2025, a total of 4,468 immovable cultural heritage sites had been surveyed and registered across the region, including 70 under state-level protection. There is one UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site consisting of three locations: the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, and Jokhang Temple. In addition, more than one million movable cultural relics (sets) have been cataloged.

In 2025, museums across the Xizang Autonomous Region received a total of 4 million visits. Over the past five years, major efforts have focused on key projects such as the protection of the ruins of the Guge Kingdom, the conservation and utilization of ancient manuscripts – including the palm-leaf scriptures of the Potala Palace – and environmental improvements at the Norbulingka heritage site. With more than 1.4 billion yuan secured in special funding from national and regional sources, nearly 400 projects have been implemented, covering restoration, security, preventive conservation and digital preservation. The range of protection measures has become more diverse, coverage has continued to expand, and the overall condition of cultural heritage in Xizang has been significantly improved.