The ancient Potala Palace has sustained its divine significance in modern times. Li Yang in Lhasa explores its spiritual prowess

The desolate vastness of the Tibetan Plateau seems another world to an urbanite like me. It's a place where life is hard - yet simple. My first trip to the Tibet autonomous region felt like a pilgrimage.

The Potala Palace is a must-see icon in the autonomous region's capital Lhasa because of its religious, cultural and historical significance.