Norbu Lingka, also named Norbulingka Monastery, is situated in Lhasa City, Tibet, at the bank of the Lhasa River about two KM west of the Potala Palace. Norbu Lingka, which means "precious garden" in Tibetan, was the summer residence of many generations of Dalai Lamas, while Potala Palace was their winter residence.
covering an area of 40 hectares, the whole park has 370 rooms of different sizes and lawns shaded by green trees and enclosed by various flowers. Among the green trees stands a two-story building with carved beams, painted pillars, traditional upturned eaves, and corbel brackets. In the past, Norbulingka was heavily guarded, with access allowed only to a few with special permission. Now it is open to the public. During the Shotun Festival (yogurt festival) which starts on July 1 of the Tibetan calendar, the park is crowded with people who come to sing, dance and picnic for the celebration.
In December 2001, Norbulingka Park was entered into the World Heritage List as a part of the historical assemblage of Potala Palace.
