Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street, also known as the Octagonal Street, is a street that revolves around Jokhang Monastery. It is an old Tibetan nationality style. It is not just where the Tibet most famous turning wheel of prayer but also the main business center and tourist attraction.

In the past, it was only a ambulation circuit, "a saint road" in the eyes of Tibetan. Now it's also a shopping center with nation characteristics. It's an old district with colorful Tibetan features. Tibetan houses line along the street, and the ground is paved with man-made flagstones, preserving the ancient look. In the street. It dates back to the foundation of the Jokhang and is an essential pilgrim route. 

In the past 30 years many more services and facilities have opened, shops have increased and the street is scattered with stalls. It bustles with activity and is always jam-packed with trades people.

Many people call the Barkhor "the window of Tibet" as it is a typical reflection of Tibetan life. The old ambulation circuit is always crowded with pilgrims. Some come along the road by performing the body-long kowtows, some come by truck. Some are monks, and some are businessmen. In the street, one could find different people that come from all over Tibet with varied dress and religious. Even the similar-looking dresses of the monks vary depending on the different religions. Bakhor Street is the window to view the Tibetan area, which is silently telling the history of Lhasa.