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
Passengers checking in at an airport lounge

Birmingham Airport Gets More Lounge Choice

May 13, 2026 12:18 PM
Passengers boarding an easyJet aircraft

Nantes Adds Brussels and Essaouira Flights

May 13, 2026 12:05 PM

JetBlue Lands Its First Italy Route

May 13, 2026 11:52 AM

Cheap Lumo Trains Head for Stirling

May 13, 2026 11:49 AM
Uber Boat sailing on the River Thames in London

Uber Adds Boats to Its European App

May 13, 2026 11:36 AM
United Airlines plane flying in clear sky

United Brings Back Its Caracas Route

May 13, 2026 11:23 AM
Alicante skyline and castle at sunset

Paderborn Keeps Its Alicante Winter Flights

May 13, 2026 11:17 AM
Festival crowd facing a purple-lit stage

Download Festival Traffic Warning for East Midlands Flyers

May 13, 2026 11:04 AM
Tel Aviv coastline with city skyline

Tel Aviv Flights Return to Salzburg

May 12, 2026 14:51 PM

Edinburgh Airport Drop-Off Fees Rise Again

May 12, 2026 14:48 PM

Cambridge South Finally Gets Its Opening Date

May 12, 2026 14:35 PM
Crowd gathered near smoke outside a Brussels building

Belgium Strike Grounds Charleroi Flights

May 11, 2026 22:52 PM
Norwich city lights at dusk

Norwich Gets a Direct Jersey Summer Link

May 11, 2026 22:29 PM
United Airlines aircraft on the tarmac at Newark Airport

Glasgow Gets Its New York Link Back

May 10, 2026 23:46 PM
Zebras grazing near Nairobi’s skyline in Kenya

Africa Steps Into the Tourism Spotlight

May 10, 2026 23:33 PM

Berlin Gets Two New Southern Escapes

May 10, 2026 11:47 AM

Ryanair Warns Spain Over Summer Passport Queues

May 10, 2026 11:34 AM
Singapore Airlines aircraft flying against a grey sky

Madrid Lands on Singapore Airlines’ Europe Map

May 9, 2026 22:41 PM
Flight crew posing inside a TUI-chartered aircraft cabin

Paderborn Gets More Greek Island Flights

May 9, 2026 22:38 PM
Architectural render of the planned Fashion Museum Bath interior

Bath’s Fashion Museum Gets a Second Act

May 9, 2026 22:25 PM
Red passenger train stopped at a station platform

Dublin-Belfast Rail Trips Set to Get Faster

May 9, 2026 22:12 PM
Ryanair aircraft on the runway at an airport

Greek Winter Flights Face a Ryanair Cutback

May 9, 2026 16:49 PM

Munich Gets More Singapore Flights

May 9, 2026 16:36 PM

Nuremberg Airport Eases Security Rules

May 9, 2026 16:23 PM
Virgin Atlantic aircraft landing over a runway

Virgin Drops Dubai and Seattle for Winter

May 8, 2026 16:27 PM
Sun loungers lined up beside clear blue sea

Sunbed Wars Reach the Holiday Courts

May 8, 2026 16:14 PM