Best Bookstores & Libraries in Lhasa, China
1. Lhasa Public Library
A modern library located in the heart of Lhasa, offering a wide selection of Tibetan literature and books on Tibetan culture.
- Rich Tibetan Collection: Unique focus on Tibetan literature and culture.
- Modern Facility: Well-equipped with modern facilities for comfortable reading experience.
- Language Translation Services: Offers translation services to help visitors understand the Tibetan texts.
2. Tibetan Library of Chinese Academy of Sciences
A research library with a vast collection of rare Tibetan manuscripts and books on various subjects.
- Rare Manuscript Collection: Houses some of the oldest and rarest Tibetan manuscripts.
- Research Orientation: Primarily a research library, catering to scholars and researchers.
- Accessibility: Limited access for visitors, but scholarly resources are available online.
3. Jokhang Bookstore
A traditional Tibetan bookstore adjacent to the Jokhang Temple, selling books on Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
- Traditional Setting: Located in a traditional Tibetan setting with unique architectural charm.
- Focus on Buddhism: Specializes in books related to Tibetan Buddhism and spirituality.
- Authentic Souvenirs: Sells authentic Tibetan souvenirs, making it a popular stop for tourists.
4. Gangkanling Bookstore
A large bookstore in Lhasa offering a wide range of books in both Tibetan and Mandarin languages.
- Wide Selection: Offers an extensive collection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and academic texts.
- Bilingual Library: Has a significant collection in both Tibetan and Mandarin languages.
- Café and Reading Area: Features a café and comfortable reading area for visitors.
5. Tibetan Book Store in Barkhor Street
A traditional bookstore located in the bustling Barkhor Street, offering a variety of books on Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
- Central Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Lhasa's tourist area, Barkhor Street.
- Authentic Tibetan Books: Sells authentic Tibetan books on various subjects, including Buddhism and culture.
- Friendly Staff: Knowledgeable staff to assist visitors in selecting the right books.
6. Tibetan Book Store Near Sera Monastery
A small bookstore located near the Sera Monastery, selling books on Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
- Monastic Surroundings: Set in a spiritual and monastic setting, offering a unique experience.
- Focus on Buddhism: Specializes in books related to Buddhism and Tibetan spirituality.
- Souvenirs and Tea House: Adjacent to a souvenir shop and tea house, making it a popular stop for visitors.
7. Bangong Bookstore
A bookstore specializing in Tibetan language books and academic texts on various subjects.
- Tibetan Language Books: Focuses exclusively on books written in the Tibetan language.
- Academic Texts: Offers a wide range of academic texts, journals, and research materials.
- Quiet Study Area: Features a quiet study area for visitors who wish to read or study.
8. Lhasa Xizang People's Publishing House
A publishing house selling books published by the Tibet Autonomous Region government.
- Government-Published Books: Sells books that are officially published by the Tibetan government.
- Variety of Genres: Offers a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and educational texts.
- Tibetan Art Gallery: Features an art gallery showcasing Tibetan artwork and culture.
9. Bookstore in Lhasa International Trade Market
A bookstore located inside the Lhasa International Trade Market, selling a mix of Tibetan and Chinese books.
- International Trade Market Location: Located in Lhasa's bustling international trade market.
- Mixed Language Selection: Offers books in both Tibetan and Mandarin languages.
- Affordable Prices: Competitive prices on a variety of books, making it affordable for visitors.
10. Bookstore in Lhasa Local Market
A bookstore located inside the local market, selling a mix of new and used books.
- Local Market Location: Conveniently located in Lhasa's local market.
- Mixed Selection: Offers a mix of new and used books on various subjects.
- Bargaining Possibilities: Allows for bargaining, making it an affordable option for visitors.
11. Bookstore in Lhasa Art Market
A bookstore located inside the Lhasa Art Market, focusing on art books and Tibetan culture.
- Art Market Location: Located in Lhasa's vibrant Art Market.
- Art Books and Culture: Specializes in books on art, culture, and Tibetan history.
- Affordable Prices for Art Books: Competitive prices on a wide range of art books.
12. Bookstore in Lhasa Handicraft Market
A bookstore located inside the Lhasa Handicraft Market, offering a mix of books and handicrafts.
- Handicraft Market Location: Located in Lhasa's bustling Handicraft Market.
- Mixed Selection: Offers a mix of books, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Bargaining Possibilities: Allows for bargaining on books and other items.
13. Bookstore in Lhasa Souvenir Market
A bookstore located inside the Lhasa Souvenir Market, selling books on Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
- Souvenir Market Location: Located in Lhasa's popular Souvenir Market.
- Tibetan Culture and Buddhism Focus: Specializes in books about Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
- Affordable Prices: Competitive prices on a variety of books, making it affordable for visitors.
14. Bookstore in Lhasa Cultural Park
A bookstore located inside the Lhasa Cultural Park, offering a mix of books and cultural items.
- Cultural Park Location: Located within the Lhasa Cultural Park.
- Mixed Selection: Offers a mix of books, cultural items, and souvenirs.
- Cultural Education: Provides educational resources about Tibetan culture and history.
15. Bookstore in Lhasa Museum
A bookstore located inside the Lhasa Museum, offering books related to Tibetan history, culture, and art.
- Museum Location: Located within the Lhasa Museum.
- Tibetan History and Culture Focus: Specializes in books about Tibetan history, culture, and art.
- Cultural Education: Provides educational resources about Tibetan culture and history.