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
Salzburg Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress by the river

Salzburg Adds Three Cultural Stops Beyond Mozart

Oct 4, 2026 23:47 PM
Cruise ship sailing on open water

Oceania Highlights 17 Mediterranean Winter Cruises for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 23:34 PM

Hilton Plans 199-Room Hotel Beside Munich’s New Arena

Oct 4, 2026 23:21 PM

Bratislava Expands Africa Network to Five Countries

Oct 4, 2026 23:19 PM
Hikers walking along Turkey’s south-west coast

SunExpress Adds Direct Leipzig–Dalaman Flights

Oct 4, 2026 22:26 PM
Jet2holidays aircraft flying over snowy mountains

Jet2 Releases 82 Winter City Routes for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 21:53 PM
Passengers seated inside an aircraft cabin

UK Moves to Scrap Family Seating and Name-Change Fees

Oct 4, 2026 21:48 PM
Flydubai aircraft taxiing at an airport

Flydubai Axe Attack Leaves Tel Aviv Route Suspended

Oct 4, 2026 21:35 PM
Person holding a vape and e-liquid bottle

New 50ml Vape Limit Could Catch Travellers Out

Oct 3, 2026 22:52 PM

UK Beaches Reopen to Dogs After Summer Bans

Oct 3, 2026 22:47 PM

Helsinki Lands a New Daily Dubai Connection

Oct 2, 2026 23:24 PM
Palm-lined beach on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast

Bratislava Gets First Direct Charter to Kenya

Oct 2, 2026 23:11 PM
Deer crossing a forest road

Deer Crash Risk Peaks on UK Roads This Autumn

Oct 1, 2026 22:29 PM
SNCF train at a railway station in France

SNCF Opens Christmas Bookings for France and Europe

Oct 1, 2026 22:16 PM
Air Serbia aircraft on the runway

Air Serbia Adds New Route to Seville

Sep 30, 2026 23:13 PM

More London Trains Return as EMR Restores Key Services

Sep 30, 2026 23:08 PM

Eurowings Opens New Winter Routes to Lapland, Italy and the Middle East

Sep 30, 2026 22:55 PM
Rendering of San Bernardo hotel courtyard lounge

New 67-Room Luxury Hotel Coming Near Madrid’s Gran Vía

Sep 30, 2026 21:12 PM
Cars using an airport terminal drop-off lane

East Midlands Airport Drop-Off Jumps to £8 for 10 Minutes

Sep 30, 2026 00:17 AM
National Gallery interior in London

England Keeps National Museums Free for Overseas Visitors

Sep 30, 2026 00:04 AM
Palm-lined Mediterranean resort with mountain views

10 October Sun Escapes From Manchester From £46 Return

Sep 29, 2026 23:51 PM
Stena Line ferry at port

No Passport, No Ferry on Key Britain–Ireland Routes

Sep 29, 2026 23:49 PM

Bangkok Floods Trigger UK Travel Warning as Flights Disrupted

Sep 29, 2026 23:36 PM

Butlin’s Turns Three UK Resorts Into Halloween Scaregrounds

Sep 29, 2026 23:23 PM
Minecraft-themed hotel bedroom concept

World’s First Minecraft Hotel Is Coming to the UK

Sep 28, 2026 20:08 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing at the airport

Finnair to Run Up to Three Tokyo Flights a Day in Summer 2027

Sep 27, 2026 00:05 AM