Introduction

The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), short for 'Zang', is located in the southwest of China. The region extends along the borders of the Xinjiang, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces to the north and east and the five foreign countries of Burma, India, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal to the south and west. Tibet covers an area of over 120 square kilometers (29,652 acres), making it the second largest region in China after Xinjiang Autonomous Region. However, due to adverse conditions, this broad land is only inhabited by 2.6 million people, giving it the smallest density of population of all the provincial administrative regions in China. Tibetans constitute over 90% of the population and spread across Tibet. Other nationalities like Han, Hui, Mongol, Menpa also inhabit the entire Tibet, but are mainly found in Lhasa, Shigatse and other cities or towns.
Lhasa, as the capital of Tibet, is showcased in its dense cultural and spiritual atmosphere. It is usually the first window through which travelers discover Tibet. The grand Potala Palace on the Red Hill, the Jokhang Temple, the three greatest monasteries of Gelugpa - Drepung, Ganden and Sera, and the Tibetan Museum are always popular tourist destinations. Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, features the most complete natural sceneries. In this region lift Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, and other 4 peaks above 8,000 m. (26,247 ft.) as well as 38 peaks above 7,000 m. (22,966 ft.), earning it the laudatory title of 'The Third Pole of the World' and with a magnetic effect on mountaineers. The natural reserve here is also to the habitat of many rare plants and wild animals. Other popular tourist sites include Zhangmu Town, which is a noisy port bordering Nepal, and the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is the throne of Panchen Lama.

Shannan, the cradle of the ancient civilization of Tibet, is the place of origin of the Tibetan legendary ancestors–a Raksasi and a monkey. The first temple of Tibet, Samye Monastery , Graveyard of Tibetan Kings, sacred Yamdrok Yumtso Lake and Lhamo Lhatso Lake, attract a continuous stream of visitors who come to appreciate or pay tribute. Nyingchi, located in the low southeast of Tibet, is a beautiful region with a mild climate. The natural sceneries include the Great Canyon of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Bayi Town, Huge Cypress Nature Reserve, Mt. Bon-ri and its fascinating cliff sculptures. Ngari, known as 'Roof of the Roof of the World', features Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, also known as the sacred mountain and the holy lake, which are prime destinations for pilgrims of Bon, Buddhism and Hindus. Nakchu, situated in the amazing northern plateau, is the seedbed of the early cultures of ancient Shengshong Kingdom and Bon. The traditional Kham Region Chamdo is located in the east rich land and boasts Karub Ruins of Neolithic Age, some monasteries, mountains, lakes, hot springs and other natural wonders.