Lhasa, the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining, has been the center of politics, economy, culture and religions in ancient times, known as 'the Holy Land', 'Buddha Land' in Tibetan language. The resplendent, magnificent and majestic Potala Palace is the symbol of the unification of religion and politics. Lhasa is situated in the South Central part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, on the North bank of the Kyichu River (Lhasa River) in a mountain-fringed valley, known as “Sun City”, one of the highest cities in the world.
As one of the highest cities in the world, Lhasa covers a flat river valley in the Himalaya Mountains. In reason of mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, the tourism and service sectors' growth bring the significant business to the region. Meanwhile, strengthen Lhasa's role as the hub of the Tibetan trading network. Lhasa has many sites of historic interest, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Norbulingka. Food in Lhasa can also be seen as part of the culture. Usually, Tibetans live on mutton and beef. Especially for the herdsmen, who dry the mutton and beef before winter comes so that there are supplies during the cold months. Wine is indispensable to Tibetans, who brew it with Qingke, a kind of crop which grows on Qingzang Plateau.