In the 7th century, Princess Wencheng from the imperial clan of the Tang Dynasty traveled to Xizang to marry Tubo leader Songtsen Gampo, with the union laying the historical foundation for Potala Palace, a sacred sanctuary atop the "Roof of the World."

This first episode of the documentary "Potala Palace" explores the monumental architecture and traditions within the world's highest palace complex, revealing its grandeur from multiple perspectives and unlocking the secrets of its ingenious subterranean foundation system.

We also return to the 14th century, when the Buddhist monk Tsongkhapa established the influential Gelug School, and to the 16th century, when ruler Altan Khan conferred the title "Dalai Lama" upon Sonam Gyatso.