Barkhor Street – A Thousand-Year-Old Tibetan Cultural Landmark

Introduction to Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street, also known as “Bajiao Street,” is located in Lhasa, Tibet. As a millennia-old street that vividly represents traditional Tibetan customs and folk culture, Barkhor has earned its place among the “Top Ten Historic and Cultural Streets in China.” With its deep cultural roots and long-standing heritage, Barkhor Street is a symbol of the region’s spiritual and social life.

In a narrower sense, Barkhor refers to the circular pilgrimage path surrounding Jokhang Temple. In a broader sense, it encompasses the entire residential area surrounding the temple—a vibrant district made up of numerous interconnected alleyways. The most bustling section of Barkhor is the circumambulatory path directly adjacent to Jokhang Temple. As the temple’s religious significance grew, Tibetan Buddhists adopted the practice of walking clockwise around the temple—known as kora—to show reverence for the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha housed within. Barkhor thus became one of the three major pilgrimage routes in Lhasa.

Today, Barkhor Street is a fusion of Tibetan specialty goods, cultural tourism, authentic folk customs, and traditional architecture. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Lhasa.

Historical and Cultural Background

The name “Barkhor” comes from the Tibetan word meaning “Middle Circumambulation Route.” Located in Lhasa’s Chengguan District, it serves as both a sacred pilgrimage path and a bustling commercial hub. The street retains much of the traditional layout and residential style of the old city. Originally, Barkhor was simply a single path encircling Jokhang Temple—referred to by Tibetans as the “Sacred Way.” Over time, it expanded into a wider district filled with ancient streets and homes.

The full Barkhor loop is polygonal in shape and consists of four main streets: Barkhor East Street, Barkhor West Street, Barkhor South Street, and Barkhor North Street. The entire circuit is approximately 1,000 meters in circumference and connects to 35 alleyways, forming a dense network of traditional Tibetan neighborhoods.

Historical Origins and Modern Significance

Barkhor’s history dates back to the 7th century AD, when it first developed as a support area for the construction of Jokhang Temple. Over time, it evolved into a multifunctional district blending religion, commerce, culture, and community life. Today, Barkhor remains not only an important religious site drawing pilgrims from all over the world, but also a bustling shopping district filled with vendors selling traditional Tibetan items and souvenirs.

With a history spanning more than 1,300 years, Barkhor has borne witness to the rich cultural exchange and integration between the Tibetan and Han peoples. It was recognized as part of the inaugural list of “China’s Historic and Cultural Streets,” and in 2023, it was officially designated as a third-batch National-Level Tourism and Leisure District.