Because of the remoteness of the city and traditional isolation with the western world, Lhasa has long been called the Forbidden City. Lhasa was the center of Lamaism (see Tibetan Buddhism ), and about half its population were Lamaist monks. Lhasa has little modern noteworthy architecture, but there are impressive religious edifices. On a nearby hill, backed by lofty mountains in the distance, stands the magnificent Potala, the former palace of the Dalai Lama, a gigantic block of buildings nine stories high, whitewashed save for the central portion, which is red, and surmounted by gilded roofs and towers. It has reception rooms, chapels, and quarters for thousands of monks. A smaller palace of the Dalai Lama is set in the beautifully wooded grounds of Jewel Park. Near the city is the Drepung monastery, one of the largest in the world. The holiest temple in Lhasa, unimpressive from the outside, is the Jokang, which contains a jeweled image of the young Buddha. Right now, a modern railway has been constructed from Lhasa to the center China, which brings fresh energy to the ancient holy land.