# Barkhor Street (八廓街)

Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 3/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/barkhor-street
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Time needed:** 1–2 hours
- **Getting there:** Take a bus and get off at Cuomeilin Station (措美林站)
- **Good for:** History & Culture, Ethnic Culture

## About Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street, also known as Bagjiao Street, circles the Jokhang Temple. It is the Tibetan street with the most authentic local life and the most important pilgrim circuit for Tibetan Buddhists. In the past it was a gathering place for aristocrats and merchants, and many buildings more than a century old are still well preserved. They are vivid examples of Lhasa's traditional residential architecture.

## Tips from the guidebook

- Not far from Barkhor Street is Tsangkung Nunnery, the only nunnery in Tibet. The sweet tea house next to it is very famous, and many visitors come to try it.
- 1. Strolling Barkhor Street: To enjoy the Tibetan-style alleys at a relaxed pace, go early in the morning. Most people walk Barkhor Street clockwise, in the same direction as Tibetan pilgrims.
- 2. Shopping: Barkhor Street sells a wide range of goods, and many are imitations, so check carefully before buying. Follow two rules: do not buy anything described as silver, and do not buy anything described as an antique. After 18:00, Barkhor Street turns into an ordinary market selling mostly daily necessities.
- 3. Buying a Tibetan knife: The most authentic Tibetan knives come from Lhatse County in Western Tibet, where the blade steel is of high quality. Tibetan knives cannot be carried on airplanes, even in checked luggage, so they must be sent by post. The Beijing Middle Road Post Office, just north of the pedestrian street, is Lhasa's main post office. Sending parcels from there is much faster than from smaller post offices.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 537. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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