Situated right in the centre of old town Lhasa, the Jokhang Temple boasts of a history of more than 1,350 years. Legends have it that the construction of the temple took King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Bhrikuti and Princess Wencheng three years to complete. Nearby is the stump of the willow tree said to have been planted by Princess Wencheng herself; two younger willow trees now flank the stump of the first tree.

Located in the center of old Lhasa, the temple was built by craftsmen from Tibet, China, and Nepal and thus features different architectural styles. The temple is also the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. In the central hall is the Jokhang's oldest and most precious object--a gold statue of a seated 12-year-old Sakyamuni. This is said to have been transported to Tibet by Princess Wencheng from her home in Changan in 700 A.D. Other precious antiques in the temple include a silk portrait of Buddha from the Tang Dynasty and a pearl gown and gold lamp from the Ming Dynasty. The three-leafed roof of the Jokhang offers splendid views of the bustling Barkhor market and across to the Potala Palace.