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General Information about Tibet

Tibet Autonomous Region (Zang for short) is located on southwest China border areas, encompassing 1.2 million square kilometers and with a population of 2.25 million.

Differing from the inland cities and other places in Tibet, Lhasa is unique with an allure all of its own. In the Tibetan language, Lhasa means the Holy Land or the Buddha Land. It is the center of Tibet's politics, economy and culture. The city has also been appointed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China. The splendor and grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous symbol of the enigmatic power of politics and religion in this region.

As the beautiful capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Lhasa is situated in the South Central part of the region, on the North bank of the Kyichu River (Lhasa River) in a mountain-fringed valley. This ancient sprawling city, settled 1,300 years ago, covers 30,000 square kilometers (11,583 square miles), with a population of 400,000, of which 87 percent are Tibetans. The urban population is 180,000.

Generally the period from March to October is the best time to visit Tibet. Since Lhasa is located at such a high altitude it is wise to be prepared before starting your journey. Generally speaking, due to the large temperature differences during any given day in Tibet, warm clothes should be taken to keep away the cold. However, because it also receives a great deal of sunshine, sunglasses, suntan oil, and a sun hat are indispensable items if you're traveling anywhere in Tibet.

The area north of Gangdisi Mountains and Nianqingtangula Mountain is slightly rolling Northern Tibet plateau, while south of these mountains are Southern Tibet valleys with a series of narrow and wide plains, among which Lhasa Valley plain is the largest. Lying between the south of the valleys and the border are the Himalayas. The eastern part of the Autonomous Region is the northern section of the Hengduan Mountains, known as "Eastern Tibet High Mountain and gorge Area". The Yaluzangbu River is the most important river flowing out of Tibet. Tibet has the temperate highland climate, with comparatively low temperature and little rainfall, thin air but plentiful sunshine. Among its minerals, uranium, chromite, copper, borax and salt etc, stand in the forefront in deposit in China. Tibet has rich resources of hydraulic, geothermal, solar as well as wind energy, and abounds in forest resources in eastern gorge area.

The Tibet Autonomous Region is populated principally by the Zang Nationality and there are also the Han, Menba, Luoba, and Hui Nationalities. As one of China's five major pastoral areas, Livestock breeding is the backbone of its economy. Next come the growing of Qingke barley, peas, horse beans, rape-seeds, jute, beet etc. Its industry is comparatively backward.

Highway plays the chief role in transport in Tibet. Air flights from Lhasa to Chengdu and Xian have already been in operation.

Known as "The Roof of the World", Tibet has spectacular and fascinating snow-capped Peaks, glaciers, high mountains, wide rivers, unique highland lakes, geothermal springs, vast pastoral areas, magnificent monasteries, brilliant religious arts and interesting ethnic customs. Main famous scenic spots and historical sites are the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Norbulingka Park, Jokang Monastery, Yalong River in Southern Tibet, Tombs of the Tibetan Kings, Jashilumbu Monastery west of Shigatse city etc. Famous traditional specialties include Tibetan carpets and boots, Qingke barley wine, roasted Qingke barley flour, snow-lotus etc