The Tibet Autonomous Region is located in south-western China and borders the Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region and Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. In the south and west, it borders Myanmar, India, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and the Kashmir regions. It has an area of 1.22 million square kilometres and a population of 2.62 million. Of its more than 30 ethnic groups, such as Han, Monba, Lhoba, Hui, Mongol, Naxi and Nu, Tibetans account for more than 92.2 percent of the total population.
Making up the main part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the region has an average elevation of more than 4,000 meters and is famous as the “Roof of the World” and the “Third Pole of the Earth.” Mt. Qomolangma, the straddling border area of China and Nepal, is 8,848 meters (8,84.13 meters new height) tall, the highest peak in the world.
Tibet has a plateau climate, featuring remarkable changes vertically and a big difference in temperature between day and night. The North Tibet Plateau is dry and cold. It has a low average temperature, a long period of exposure to strong sunshine, a little rainfall and low air density.
Agriculture and livestock are the pillars of Tibet’s economy (mainly sheep, goats and yaks, and mainly barley, wheat, potato and rape). The region is also famous for medicinal substances, such as musk, pilose antlers and snow lotuses, which enjoy popularity both at home and abroad. Tibet leads the country in its untapped hydropower and thermal power, and ranks second in usable solar energy in the world.
It was inhabited by humans as early as in the late Palaeolithic Age. In the seventh century King Songtsen Gompo united Tibet and established the Tubo kingdom. During the seventh and eighth centuries, the kingdom twice established marriage relations with the Tang imperial court. In the 13th century, Tibet became an administrative area under the Yuan dynasty. In the 17th century, the Fifth Dalai Lama established the Kadam Potrang government. The Qing government recognized this regional government and sent an envoy. The Republic of China was declared in 1949, and the Tibet Autonomous Region was created on September 1, 1965.
Tibet has a long history and beautiful land features. Its spectacular ancient monasteries and unique local customs attract many tourists. Lhasa, Xigatse, Shannan, Nyingchi Nagchu, Ngari and Amdo each have its own geography and colorful customs. You are welcome to visit Tibet and have a look for yourself at these rare wonders of the world.
The Best Season for Touring Tibet: From April to October is the best season for touring and trekking in Tibet. From June to September the rainfall increases and the scenery is beautiful.
