Which City is known as the "Forbidden City"?
VerifiedAnswer: Lhasa in Tibet
Explanation:
Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, earned the nickname "Forbidden City" due to its restricted access to outsiders for centuries. This ancient city, nestled high in the Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters above sea level, was deliberately kept isolated from the outside world by Tibetan authorities and religious leaders.
The term "Forbidden City" became associated with Lhasa because foreign visitors, explorers, and traders were strictly prohibited from entering the city. This policy of isolation was maintained to preserve Tibet's unique culture, Buddhist traditions, and political independence. The Tibetan government, led by the Dalai Lama, implemented these restrictions to protect their sacred land from external influences and potential colonization attempts.
Lhasa holds immense religious significance as the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. The city houses the magnificent Potala Palace, which served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries. This architectural marvel, with its distinctive red and white walls rising dramatically against the mountain backdrop, symbolized the forbidden nature of the city. The palace complex contains over 1,000 rooms and represents one of the finest examples of Tibetan architecture.
The city's isolation was so complete that very few Westerners successfully reached Lhasa before the 20th century. Those brave explorers who attempted the journey faced extreme weather conditions, treacherous mountain passes, and the constant threat of being turned back by Tibetan guards. The few who did succeed in reaching the city often documented their experiences, further adding to Lhasa's mystique as the forbidden destination.
Today, while Lhasa is no longer forbidden to visitors, it remains a city of profound spiritual significance and cultural importance. The legacy of being the "Forbidden City" continues to fascinate people worldwide, representing a time when this remarkable Himalayan city successfully maintained its mysterious and sacred character against the pressures of the outside world.
