Lhagyari Palace

Lhagyari Palace (; ་), situated in Qusum County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, is a historic fortress-palace complex dating to the 13th century. Built by the Lhagyari dynasty, descendants of the ancient Tibetan kings, it served as a political and cultural center until the mid-20th century. The palace's architecture integrates Tibetan and Han Chinese influences, featuring a multi-tiered structure with stone foundations, rammed-earth walls, and intricately carved wooden beams. Its design strategically utilizes the mountainous terrain, with watchtowers and courtyards layered along the slopes for defense and climatic adaptation.

Protection

During construction, local materials like slate, yak-dung mortar, and juniper wood were prioritized to minimize ecological disruption. The palace's layout harmonizes with the surrounding ecosystem: south-facing windows maximize solar heat in winter, while natural drainage channels prevent erosion during monsoon rains. Restoration efforts in the 1990s, led by the Tibet Cultural Relics Bureau, focused on preserving original techniques, such as argil (traditional plaster) application and mural restoration using mineral pigments.

In 2001, the ruins of the Ragali Palace were listed as the .