The Jokhang Temple is one of Tibet's holiest shrines, originally built in 647 A.D. in celebration of the marriage of the Tang Princess Wencheng and the Tubo King Songtsen Gampo. In front of the gate is a stone Tablet of Unity from the Tang Dynasty; inscribed are both Chinese characters and Tibetan script. 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.