Tourists Fought Over a Photo Opportunity at the Famous Potala Palace

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 5, 2024 16:30 PMNews
Share:
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, under a clear blue sky
Potala Palace is a major attraction, drawing thousands of tourists daily. Source: unsplash

In the historic center of Lhasa, near the famous Potala Palace, a conflict broke out between a group of tourists, catching the attention of locals and social media users alike. The reason for the incident was the desire to take a photo in front of the palace while holding a 50-yuan banknote, which features an image of this architectural masterpiece.

Potala Palace is one of Tibet's most recognizable landmarks, attracting travelers from all over the world. However, the large number of visitors can sometimes lead to unexpected situations. In a recent incident, several tourists couldn’t agree on who would occupy the best photo spot, quickly escalating into a physical confrontation. In a video captured by witnesses, it’s clear that the women argued and then got into a fight, despite some attempts to resolve the situation peacefully.

The viewing area near Potala Palace draws many tourists, as people often want to take a unique photo with a 50-yuan banknote, which features an image of the palace itself. This has become a kind of tradition, making this spot particularly crowded. Some visitors, in their eagerness to secure the best place for a photo, create tension among other tourists.

Public Reaction

The incident sparked lively discussions on social media, with users expressing surprise not only at the fight itself but also at how the participants managed to continue the conflict at Lhasa’s high altitude, known for its thin air. One commenter remarked: "I experienced hypoxia while I was in Tibet. How did they still have the energy to fight?"

This case highlights the importance of following proper behavior rules at tourist sites. Travelers should remember to respect cultural and social norms, especially in historical places like Potala Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Calmness and respect for others and local customs are key to having a successful and enjoyable trip.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Power banks and electronic accessories arranged on a table

Finnair Updates Rules for Power Banks and Lithium Battery Devices

Jun 23, 2026 00:11 AM
Grapes growing on vines in a Bordeaux vineyard

Jersey Gets a Bordeaux Wine Link

Jun 21, 2026 22:28 PM

Transavia Adds Praia and More Sal Flights

Jun 21, 2026 22:15 PM

Air Transat Opens Toronto to Tirana Route

Jun 21, 2026 22:02 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport terminal

easyJet Adds Southend Edinburgh Flights

Jun 21, 2026 19:49 PM
Grand Canal in Venice with boats and historic buildings on a sunny day

Venice Eyes a €50 Day Trip Fee

Jun 21, 2026 19:36 PM
Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

Vilnius Keeps Berlin Flights Through Winter

Jun 21, 2026 19:23 PM
Riverside Ottoman houses in Amasya, Turkey

Turkey Trips Stay Open, but One Border Warning Remains

Jun 21, 2026 19:17 PM
Izmir coastline with mountains and city buildings

Bremen Gets a Turkish Aegean Shortcut

Jun 20, 2026 23:34 PM

Sweden’s First Hotel Indigo Heads to Stockholm

Jun 20, 2026 23:21 PM

Birmingham Gets a Three-Hour Escape to Tunisia

Jun 20, 2026 23:18 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport gate

Newcastle Gets Five Winter easyJet Routes

Jun 20, 2026 23:05 PM
Pont Neuf bridge over the Seine in Paris

Paris Opens a Cave on Its Oldest Bridge

Jun 20, 2026 22:42 PM
Exterior of Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch

Admiralty Arch Starts Taking Hotel Bookings

Jun 20, 2026 22:29 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft taking off from a runway

LOT Adds a Northern Lights Route

Jun 19, 2026 22:46 PM

The 18-Hour Train to Frankfurt Airport

Jun 19, 2026 22:33 PM

Marrakech Video Arrest Warns Travellers

Jun 19, 2026 22:27 PM
Cairo skyline with historic mosques

Birmingham Gets a Direct Cairo Link

Jun 19, 2026 22:14 PM
CFR Călători train at a station

Bucharest Gets Its Summer Trains Back

Jun 19, 2026 22:01 PM
Dubai skyline with high-rise towers

Emirates Adds Conflict Cover for Trips

Jun 19, 2026 01:28 AM
Red train passing a mountain lake

Sweden’s £12 Coast Train Heads to Oslo

Jun 19, 2026 01:15 AM
Ruby Frida guest room in Stockholm

Stockholm Gets Its First Ruby Hotel

Jun 19, 2026 01:02 AM

World Cup Creators Get a U.S. Visa Warning

Jun 19, 2026 00:09 AM

France’s Shirtless Fines Hit Resort Towns

Jun 18, 2026 23:56 PM
Eurowings aircraft flying against a pale blue sky

Mallorca Gets More Winter Flights

Jun 18, 2026 23:43 PM
Twin hotel room with modern wall art at Manchester Marriott Piccadilly

A Manchester Hotel Gets a Banksy Twist

Jun 18, 2026 23:37 PM