Tibet

Known as the “Roof of the World”, Tibet Autonomous Region is situated on China’s southwestern border in the southwest of Qinghai-Tibet plateau. It is the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of more than 4,000 meters. Covering an area of over 1.22 million square kilometers, Tibet takes up one-eighth of the total area of China, second only to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Tibet is a destination of  mystery for millions of people because it seems so holy and unapproachable. Countless people from home and abroad have dreamt of visiting Tibet. Tibet has long been well-known for its unique geological features, splendid natural scenery, magnificent ethnic culture and characteristic local customs. That is why it has become the “Holy Land” for many tourists, mountain explorers, and scientific researchers from every nation.

Tibet boasts the highest mountains,  the most river sources and gorgeous prairie and canyons. Mount Qomolangma ( Mount Everest) stands at the border of Tibet and Nepal,  at a height of 8,844 meters. It is the highest mountain on Earth. Several major rivers in China and neighbouring countries have their sources in the Tibetan Plateau, including the Yangtze and Yellow River, Indus River, Mekong, and the Yarlung Zangbo River.  Speaking about rivers, there are extensive rivers and lakes within Tibet. Other famous rivers include the Jinsha, Nujiang, and Lancang rivers. The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is regarded as the deepest and largest canyon in the world.

Two sayings can be used to describe the characteristics of the weather of Tibet. One is “The weather varies every 5 kilometers”. The other is “There are 4 seasons in a day”  in Tibet. This is brought about by its high altitude and diverse topography. There are a wide range of regional climates and a tangible vertical climate belt, the main features of which are thin and dry air, scant oxygen, strong sunlight, and low temperatures with little annual differences but huge daily differences.

This kind of weather may not be perfect for human beings however Tibet has  forests and pastures,  close to the numerous water resources of the land. Tibet also boasts a virgin forest covering more than 126,000 square kilometers.

The Tibetans are mostly engaged in farming and animal husbandry. Due to limited arable land, the main occupation of  Tibetans is raising livestock, such as sheep, cattle, goats, camels, and horses.  The primary crops  grown are barley, wheat, potatoes, and various kinds of fruits and vegetables.

In recent years, tourism has become an increasingly important part of Tibet's economy.  Tibetan tourist resources are unique. Among the famous historic buildings and cultural attractions, the Potala palace in Lhasa (capital of Tibet), with its history dating back  more than 1,300 years, is the most famous historical site. There are also many other significant temples and monasteries. The gentle breezes, warm sunlight, blue sky, white clouds, green grasslands and snowy mountain tops, have attracted an every-increasing number of tourists from home and abroad. The sale of handicrafts, such as Tibetan hats, jewelry, clothing, quilts, rugs, and carpets is an important part of the tourist industry of Tibet.

With a population of 2.8 million, Tibet embraces people of various ethnicity. Tibetans make up 96.5% of the total population, but there are also  Hui, Menba, Luoba, Nu, Naxi, Deng and Xiaerba ethnic groups as well as a cross-section of Han people. Known as the “City of Daylight” and the “Holy Land”, Lhasa is the Capitol City and Tibet’s political, economic and cultural center.

With majestic mountains, gorgeous rivers, abundant resources and unique historic sites as well as rich ethnic customs, Tibet is surely a dazzling pearl in the southwest of China.