Police bring safety, conveniences to palace square

For Zhao Hongzhong and his fellow officers at the police station in Potala Palace Square, bringing conveniences to visitors is just as important as ensuring security.

"Like Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, Potala Palace Square is the place where tourists and pilgrims to Lhasa will visit," said Zhao, head of a team of 67 officers.

The square receives around 40,000 visitors a day during peak season, and Zhao's team patrols a 160,000-square-meter area around the palace. They crack down on theft and robbery, and protect tourists from forced souvenir purchases, Zhao said.