Xizang (Tibet) has always been a place full of wonders, and several of its streets will trigger your endless curiosity. Barkhor Street, a street frequented by prayers, is located in the old urban area of Lhasa City, and is formed around the Jokhang Temple, the center of Lhasa.  

Broadly speaking, the millennium-long Barkhor Street refers to a block of 1.33 square kilometers surrounding the Jokhang Temple, including 35 streets and alleys. Integrating religion, culture, tourism and commerce, the Barkhor Street is one of the most distinctive and attractive historical, cultural blocks in China and even in the world, an epitome of Xizang’s development from ancient times to the present day. 

In Tibetan language, “Bar” means “middle” while “khor” means “circle around”, therefore, “Barkhor” refers to the route in the middle where prayers take to circle around while rotating the prayer wheels. It is the most important road in the hearts of Tibetan pilgrims. The inner route encircles the main hall of the Jokhang Temple and the outer route is around the old city of Lhasa.

Kowtow is one of the most sincere ways for Tibetan Buddhists to worship the Buddha. In Barkhor Street, worshippers can be seen prostrating themselves on the ground, praying and crawling with a devout heart. Barkhor Street is also a famous commercial district in Lhasa, with many local specialties in shops, including copper Buddha statues, prayer wheels, butter lamps, prayer flags, Thangka paintings, Tibetan blankets, Pulu (woolen fabric produced in Xizang for making blankets), aprons, snuff bottles, Tibetan knives, butter barrels, wooden bowls, sweet tea, butter tea, etc. Some products come from India and Nepal. 

The Barkhor Streethas preserved a traditional appearance and living style, a microcosm of the historical development of Tibetan and Lhasa residents. There are many scenic spots and historical sites in the region, including the Inscription Hall and the Shidé Dra-tsang Ruins. There is also a temple affiliated to Mindroling Monastery of the Ningma faction – the Mani Lhakhang. The government office of ministers on Barkhor Street, where 84 ministers sent from the central government of the Qing Dynasty to Xizang were stationed, is well preserved today. Besides, the Sera Dargo Lane in the region is famous for its multi-ethnic residents. 

At the same time, Barkhor Street is also a must-see place for vloggers and young tourists. You could see all kinds of fashionable Tibetan clothes here. That’s why here there’re several photography studios. 

Tibetan pilgrims kowtow outside the Jokhang Temple. 

Adjacent to this traditional Thangka shop is a fashionable photography studio on the Barkhor Street. 

The Mindroling Monastery Mani Lhakhang on the Barkhor Street sells famous Tibetan incenses from Chanang County. 

Tourists stop by at the quaint Sera Dargo Lane. 

A KFC restaurant is next to a towering Buddhist stone pillar on the corner of the Barkhor Street. 

A young couple are dressed in traditional Tibetan clothes for photos. 

Benches for the elderly to rest on Barkhor Street.