At the very tip of the Red Hill in Lhasa, at an altitude of 3,700 metres, stands the symbol of Tibet – the Potala Palace. The palace was built in the 7th century by the greatest monarch in Tibetan history, King Songtsan Gampo. But within two centuries, the original building had suffered extensive damage, as a result of lightning strikes, fire, and war. Later generation rebuilt it, and over time, the Potala Palace became the seat of the Dalai Lamas and the political centre of Tibet. Today it is wellknown for its grand buildings, devotional atmosphere and splendid collection of art.

Starting today, we'll bring you a 5-part series to unveil the mystery of the Potala Palace. Together we'll hear the story of an old lama, Byampa Kalzang, who has spent his life within the walls of the palace.

In the year 641, Princess Wencheng, daughter of the Tang emperor, set out from Chang'an, capital of the Tang Dynasty, on her way to Tibet to marry King Songtsan Gampo. Her journey would last three years. She brought numerous gifts, including a priceless statue of Sakyamuni, along with many books on astronomy, medicine and handicrafts. Accompanying her were no less than 5,500 Han craftsmen. Clearly, establishing friendly ties with Tibet was considered important at the Tang court. When she eventually arrived in Tibet, the princess was given a very warm welcome.

King Songtsan Gampo's Red Hill Palace was designed to symbolize the friendship between the Han people and Tibetans. But over the next two centuries, the palace would witness religious strife, political struggles and common uprisings, as well as lightning strikes and fire. By the end of the 9th century, the once magnificent palace had been reduced to ruins. Despite the destruction of the symbol of friendship between the Hans and the Tibetans, the two ethnic groups continued to grow closer. The palace was later rebuilt, and became a holy place that was home to thousands of lamas, among them Byampa Kalzang.