Conag Lake Platform

The Conag Lake Platform is one of the Scenery Platforms along Qinghai-Tibet railway.

Conag Lake, a large freshwater lake of 400 square kilometers, is like a glittering blue pearl in the huge Northern Tibet Grassland.  The altitude of the Conag Lake Train Station is 4,594 meters. Lying between the Kunlun Mountains and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, Conag Lake is the world’s highest freshwater lake  at an elevation of 4,594 meters.

The beautiful Conag Lake shows three different kinds of blue color under the sunshine.

The beautiful Conag Lake shows three different kinds of blue color under the sunshine.

Located 20 kilometers southwest of Amdo County, Conag Lake is pooled together by all the rivers from southern Tanggula Mountains, and it is the source of the Nujiang River and Nagchu River. It is respected by the local people as a holy lake.

Passing the amazing Conag Lake on the Train to Tibet!

Passing the amazing Conag Lake on the Train to Tibet!

As it is west to the Qinghai-Tibet railway, passengers can see it through the windows on the right side on the train to Lhasa, whereas through the windows on the left side on the train from Lhasa. And the shortest distance between the railway and the lake is just 20 meters.

Getting close to the holy lake Conag on the Tibet train!

Getting close to the holy lake Conag on the Tibet train!

 

Tourists visit Lake Namsto, June 23. Summer is the best time to visit Lake Namsto, Nagqu Prefecture. The lake, China's second largest saltwater lake next to the Qinghai Lake in NW China's Qinghai Province, is located at an elevation of 4,718 meters and has a total area of more than 1,920 square km. The lake is currently in process of building itself into a high-end tourism attraction in planned steps, according to regional tourism depertment in Nagqu Prefecture, northern Tibet.

Tourists visit Lake Namsto, June 23. Summer is the best time to visit Lake Namsto, Nagqu Prefecture. The lake, China's second largest saltwater lake next to the Qinghai Lake in NW China's Qinghai Province, is located at an elevation of 4,718 meters and has a total area of more than 1,920 square km. The lake is currently in process of building itself into a high-end tourism attraction in planned steps, according to regional tourism depertment in Nagqu Prefecture, northern Tibet.

 

Tourists visit Lake Namsto, June 23. Summer is the best time to visit Lake Namsto, Nagqu Prefecture. The lake, China’s second largest saltwater lake next to the Qinghai Lake in NW China’s Qinghai Province, is located at an elevation of 4,718 meters and has a total area of more than 1,920 square km. The lake is currently in process of building itself into a high-end tourism attraction in planned steps, according to regional tourism depertment in Nagqu Prefecture, northern Tibet.

Interior trim of Daofu folk house in the Daofu County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Daofu folk houses are mainly brown and white. The interior decoration of Daofu houses is really amazing. The auspicious symbols of the dragon and phoenix, flowers, birds and clouds can be seen everywhere, each painting is finely crafted. The local Tibetan people are living in homes that resemble a folk art museum.

 

Situated in the southeast rim of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and in the west part of Sichuan Province, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is a national minority autonomous prefecture mainly inhabited by Tibetan people.

Covering an area of 153 thousand square kilometers and with a population of 1.12 million, Garze is unique in the landform with an average altitude of 2,560 meters above the sea level.

There are 25 nationalities in the Garze Prefecture, among which Tibetan is the main one, accounting for about 78 percent of the total population.

Danba Beauty Valley located in the Danba County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province.

Danba Beauty Valley located in the Danba County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province.

Interior trim of Daofu folk house in the Daofu County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Daofu folk houses are mainly brown and white. The interior decoration of Daofu houses is really amazing. The auspicious symbols of the dragon and phoenix, flowers, birds and clouds can be seen everywhere, each painting is finely crafted. The local Tibetan people are living in homes that resemble a folk art museum.

Interior trim of Daofu folk house in the Daofu County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Daofu folk houses are mainly brown and white. The interior decoration of Daofu houses is really amazing. The auspicious symbols of the dragon and phoenix, flowers, birds and clouds can be seen everywhere, each painting is finely crafted. The local Tibetan people are living in homes that resemble a folk art museum.

Watchtower folk houses in Danba County in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province.

Watchtower folk houses in Danba County in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province.

Tibetan style houses on Litang grassland in Litang County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province.

Tibetan style houses on Litang grassland in Litang County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province.

 

Children play football at school while a hog looks for food at Bangxin Village School in Medog county,Tibet. Although the playground is surrounded by a sheet-metal fence, it is not unusual for children to kick their football off the steep cliff

Children play football at school while a hog looks for food at Bangxin Village School in Medog county,Tibet. Although the playground is surrounded by a sheet-metal fence, it is not unusual for children to kick their football off the steep cliff

Children play football at school while a hog looks for food at Bangxin Village School in Medog county,Tibet. Although the playground is surrounded by a sheet-metal fence, it is not unusual for children to kick their football off the steep cliff

 

Dorjie Tsering plays football at the school. One about one year, the 11-year-old fifth grader will attend middle school at the county far away. Dorjie said his biggest wish was being able to play football with his friends forever.

 

Dorjie Tsering plays football at the school. One about one year, the 11-year-old fifth grader will attend middle school at the county far away. Dorjie said his biggest wish was being able to play football with his friends forever.

 

Wearing sports jersey donated by Tencent charity, the first football team of the school was set up.

 

Wearing sports jersey donated by Tencent charity, the first football team of the school was set up.

Northern Namsto Lake, virgin tourist land

Northern Namsto Lake, virgin tourist land

 

Photo shows Lake Namsto and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountainson May 30, 2014.The Namsto Lake in Bangoin County, Nagchu Prefecture acounts for more than two thirds of its whole coverage and is a newly developed attraction of the area. The lake, China’s second largest saltwater lake next to the Qinghai Lake in NW China’s Qinghai Province, is located at an elevation of 4,718 meters and has a total area of more than 1,920 square km. The lake is currently in process of building itself into a high-end tourism attraction in planned steps, according to regional tourism depertment in Nagqu Prefecture, northern Tibet.

Horse racing festival in Shangrila to open in June

Horse racing festival in Shangrila to open in June

 

The annual Horse Racing Festival in Shangrila is going to be held between June 2 and 4.

The event aims to showcase the natural beauty and unique culture of Shangri-la County, Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, promoting the local cultural and tourism industries.

A series of activity will be launched to highlight the festival, including Tibetan dancing and singing, horsemanship and typical Tibetan ethnic sports.

The Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan province used to be an important section on the southern route. Even today, porters and pilgrims from extremely isolated mountainous areas still take some of the tea-horse route for transport.

Metok County

Metok County

 

Metok county in Tibet has recently experienced a spike in tourism after its highway connection was established. Over 10,000 tourists visited the county in the first quarter of this year, marking a 181 percent increase compared with the same time last year. Given that Metok has an incomparable natural environment, the local government has made eco-tourism its new focus, hoping that Metok’s environment edge can be translated into a good tourism brand.

The 11th Panchen Lama is escorted by monks playing religious musical instruments and walks on a yellow carpet symbolizing noble auspiciousness to the Panchen Pagoda in the Xihuang Temple where the clothes of the 6th Panchen Lama was buried. The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu gives blessings to monks and laymen by conducting a head-touching ritual in the Xihuang Temple of Beijing on May 18.

The 11th Panchen Lama is escorted by monks playing religious musical instruments and walks on a yellow carpet symbolizing noble auspiciousness to the Panchen Pagoda in the Xihuang Temple where the clothes of the 6th Panchen Lama was buried. The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu gives blessings to monks and laymen by conducting a head-touching ritual in the Xihuang Temple of Beijing on May 18.

The 11th Panchen Lama is escorted by monks playing religious musical instruments and walks on a yellow carpet symbolizing noble auspiciousness to the Panchen Pagoda in the Xihuang Temple where the clothes of the 6th Panchen Lama was buried. The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu gives blessings to monks and laymen by conducting a head-touching ritual in the Xihuang Temple of Beijing on May 18.

 

Photo shows the 11th Panchen Lama pays homage to the 6th Panchen Lama by prostrating three times to this pagoda where the clothes of the 6th Panchen Lama was burried and consecrated.

Photo shows the 11th Panchen Lama pays homage to the 6th Panchen Lama by prostrating three times to this pagoda where the clothes of the 6th Panchen Lama was burried and consecrated.

 

Photo shows the 11th Panchen Lama sits in his seat that has been prepared in the middle in the north of the hall and holds the worship ritual to give people blessings.

Photo shows the 11th Panchen Lama sits in his seat that has been prepared in the middle in the north of the hall and holds the worship ritual to give people blessings.

 

The awarded monks with "Tho Ram Pa" degree and "Nzhing Ram Ba" degree  pay homage to the 11th Panchen Lama on May 18.

The awarded monks with “Tho Ram Pa” degree and “Nzhing Ram Ba” degree  pay homage to the 11th Panchen Lama on May 18.

Tibetan antelope begins migration in Tibet

Tibetan antelope begins migration in Tibet

 

Tibetan antelope have started migration in Nagchu Prefecture,Tibet.

Mao Shiping,the official with the Naque Forestry Bureau said that“the wildlife conservator has discovered that a total of 1,263 Tibetan antelopes were migrating on the way in the protection zone in the Co Nyi Special Administrative County, Nagchu Prefecture on May.4”.

“The Tibetan antelopes have launched their migration at the beginning of May, which has become ten days in advance than usual”,he added.

Mao recommended that the Tibetan antelopes usually begin their migration in the middle of May and will arrive in their destination on around May.20 or at the beginning of June.

Up to now,Tibet has set up 205 observation stations to monitor the migration of the Tibetan antelopes in the south of the protection area,he said,the wildlife observers will protect them on the way alongside the observation stations.

Cycle to Everest

Cycle to Everest

 

Several customers cycled to Mt. Everest days ago. At an elevation of 8,848.13 meters, Mount Everest, or Mount Qomolangma is the main peak of the Himalayas. This world’s No. 1 peak rises high on the border of China and Nepal. It’s northern slope lies in the Tingri County of Tibet. Commanding reverence from fellow giant peaks nearby, Mount Everest is shaped just like a majestic pyramid propping up the sky for the Earth. The sapphire sky and stunning view of Everest totally amazed them. Picture shows the scenery en route.

 

Chadui, 66, plans to make a wine pot. His 4-year-old grandson sits beside him.

Tibetan people in Zayu village of Chanang County still keep their traditional way in making pottery in Tibet’s Lhoka Prefecture.

the pottery clay should only be collected and stirred with water by women

According to the tradition, the pottery clay should only be collected and stirred with water by women. Photo shows Gusang Chodron (left) and Tsering Tsajo (right) are on their way to look for clay.

Chadui, 66, plans to make a wine pot. His 4-year-old grandson sits beside him.

Chadui, 66, plans to make a wine pot. His 4-year-old grandson sits beside him.

Chadui is making a wine pot

Chadui is making a wine pot.

Pots made by villagers

Pots made by villagers.

 

 

 

Tibet to Hold Regional Sports Meeting

Tibet to Hold Regional Sports Meeting

 

The 11th Tibet Sports Meeting is going to be held in the Tsedang County, Lhoka Prefecture.

The officials with the regional sports bureau said that altogether 1,500 people including athletes, coaches, referees and staff will attend the Games, which will be kicked off on Aug.29 and put an end on Sep.5.

It will hold 10 competitive games, including the track and fields race, basketball game, football game, table tennis match, wrestling, Chinese chess competition, bridge card competition, Jiren game(the Tibetan snooker game), the game of go and the Tibetan dice match, and the Tibetan shooting demonstration.

Photo Story of Metok County

Photo Story of Metok County

 

Metok County is situated in the southeast of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. It is in the lower reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River and south eastern end of Himalayan Mountains. In about one square kilometers region, various and diverse natural resources have been developed. During several hours’ visit in the Metok County, tourists could enjoy the rich natural landscapes from alpine frigid zone to tropical forest.

Conservation Center Set up for Snow Leopards

Conservation Center Set up for Snow Leopards

 

A snow leopard reservation center was set up at Mount Qomolangma National Nature Conservatory Administration Bureau on May 6th. Experts were invited to investigate local snow leopard population to provide data support to the protection of snow leopard, Xinhua reported.

Snow leopard is a grade-one protected animal. All year round they live near the snow line and in the snow field, known as “king of the snow mountain“. They habitually spend their daily time in stone cliffs with vigilance, by which they are dubbed “plateau hermit”. A research report says in China their population is even smaller than that of giant pandas.

Thanks to greater efforts on environmental protection in recent years, the snow leopard population has been on increase, which is proved by the growing number of reported cases of snow leopard attacking livestock.

Tea-picking Season Arrives at World's Highest Plantation

Tea-picking Season Arrives at World's Highest Plantation

 

This year’s spring picking season arrives on May 1 at Yi-ong Tea Plantation in Bome, world’s highest tea plantation.

Extending over thousands of mu (1 mu=0.0667 hectares) with an altitude of 1,900-2,300 meters, it is the only tea plantation in Tibet. Thanks to humid climate and warm temperature, Yi-ong boasts a planting history of over 70 years and for more than 40 years, it caters Tibetans with quality green tea and brick tea (a tea variety specializing in alleviating symptoms from high latitude and anoxic atmosphere) which it is best-known for.

Solar Halo Shines in Sky of Lhasa

Solar Halo Shines in Sky of Lhasa

 

A solar halo occurs over the sky in Lhasa, capital city of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region,at around 9:30 a.m., May 5, 2014. As an atmospheric optical phenomenon, solar halo occurs when sunlight goes through cirrostratus and is refracted or reflected by ice crystals.

Rural Roads in Tibet Exceed 58,000 km

Rural Roads in Tibet Exceed 58,000 km

The rural roads in Tibet have exceeded 58,000 kilometers by the end of last year.

Official statistics show that the rural roads have connected 99.7 percent of the townships and 97.4 percent of the villages in the whole region, thanks to great efforts made by local government. There are 680 townships and 5,125 villages in Tibet.

Meanwhile, the passenger transport has covered 98.6 percent of the counties and 56 percent of the villages.

“The fast developing rural roads have transformed the dirt roads into asphalt roads. The local government of Tibet will dedicate itself to the leapfrog development of road traffic, ensuring every village could have access to rural roads,” said Tashi Phuntsok, head of the Communication Department of Tibet Autonomous Region.

Tibet Sky-Face up to the World's Attention

Tibet Sky-Face up to the World's Attention

 

After five years’ painstaking efforts and 500 days’ filming on Tibetan plateau, the 118-minute “Tibet Sky” made its debut in Shanghai recently, facing up to the world’s attention in an artistic way.

Focusing on humanity, the film reproduced the democratic reform in Tibet and reflects the socio-historic changes happening in Tibet in the past half century.

In addition to the magnificent mountain landscape and Tibetan culture, the movie touches the audience with a story between Tenzin, child of the manor, and Phurbu, serf of Tenzin.

The childhood friends become enemies when they grow up, because of the huge gap between their identities and families. Phurbu, the serf, starts his life as a lama in the name of Tenzin, which means all chants he makes, and all his prayers, shall be owned by Tenzin.

“Good story is half done to a movie,” said Ren Zhonglun, producer of the movie, “we were willing to shoot the film as a Tibetan epic at the very beginning.”

Mt. Qomolangma Glaciers Shrink 10 Percent in 40 Years

Mt. Qomolangma Glaciers Shrink 10 Percent in 40 Years

 

Glaciers on Mount Qomolangma, known in the West as Mount Everest, have shrunk by 10 percent over the past 40 years due to global warming, a researcher said on Wednesday.

Kang Shichang, a researcher at the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the data was based on long-term remote sensing and on-site monitoring.

The glacial lake downstream, as a result, is 13 times bigger than four decades ago, said Kang, who has headed several glacier inspection teams to the Mount Qomolangma area.

Glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau combined cover an area of about 50,000 square kilometers, accounting for more than 80 percent of the country’s total, data showed.

Glaciers are very sensitive to climate change and therefore serve as monitors, he said.

Climate change has impacted the plateau, which has the highest altitude in the world.

Kang said glaciers started to shrink since the 20th century and speeded up since the 1990s.

Compared with 20 years ago, the serac forest was now at higher altitude and glaciers had more and bigger cracks.

He said glaciers on the plateau are supplementary water sources of many inland rivers and lakes and shrinkage could reduce water flow downstream.

Air Service Links Yushu to Lhasa in Tibet

Air Service Links Yushu to Lhasa in Tibet

 

Tibet Airlines has launched a new regular flight between Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region, and Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, marking the first air route linking the two areas.

The new route linking Tibet and Yushu serves as a window for tourists to experience the different customs and natural scenery of different Tibetan areas.

It is more convenient for tourists to explore the wild natural grassland and to experience the lives of the Khampa people and Tibetan Buddhism.

Lhasa is a pilgrimage destination for Tibetans, and every year thousands on the plateau travel to the city.

“It will be more convenient to fly to Lhasa from now on. It is time-efficient,” Tsethar, a local Tibetan in Kyegu town of the prefecture, was quoted as saying.

Using an Airbus A319 aircraft, Flight TV9871/2 will have three flights weekly — on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

According to the regional civil aviation authorities, Tibet opened 13 new air routes in 2013, bringing the total in the region to 48 and the number of cities linked with Tibet to 29.

First Highway Begins to be Constructed in Sichuan Tibetan Area

First Highway Begins to be Constructed in Sichuan Tibetan Area

 

The construction ceremony of the Ya’an-Kangding Highway was held in Ya’an City of Garze Autonomous Prefecture,Sichuan Province on April 20th, ending the history with no highway in the area.

The Ya’an-Kangding Highway, first highway in Garze is expected to be put into operation in 2017.

The four-lane highway is designed with a length of 135 km, the speed of 80 km/h and a total investment of 23.1 billion yuan.

The highway can accelerate the economic development in Garze as a connecting road from inland China to the Tibetan areas. It will put an end to the history of no highway in Garze, perfect the national and Sichuan highway network, and improve traffic conditions in earthquake-hit areas in the ethnic minority regions.

Story of an Ordinary Tibetan Family

Story of an Ordinary Tibetan Family

 

Tsering, 49, is a villager in Yangbajain Township of Lhasa, capital of Tibet.

When Yangbajain railway was constructed in 2004 as part of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Tsering bought two tip lorries and opened a quarry, earning 200,000 yuan that year.

After having the first bucket of gold, Tsering opened a brickyard and employed more than 20 villagers.

Now, Tsering and his families live a comfortable life in his Tibetan-styled house of 386 square meters with all modern household appliances.

Photographer and His Tibet Story

Photographer and His Tibet Story

 

From the photos, Cheng Weidong, a famous Chinese photographer, tells you a true developing Tibet in different angles and also his stories in Tibet.

Photo shows the Ruins of Guge Kingdom in Nagri Prefecture. Guge is said to be the highest ancient kingdom located on the ridge of the Roof of the World, as Tibet is called. Cheng stepped foot on this “no man’s land” in 1997. “At that time, there was no water, electricity in this site, just one Tibetan gatekeeper named Phurbu Chusang who could only speak broke Chinese and started working there in 1991,” Cheng Weidong said.

Peach Blossoms in Drupung Monastery, Lhasa

Peach Blossoms in Drupung Monastery, Lhasa

 

File photo shows a monk in crimson gown is passing by a cluster of full-blown peach blossoms in the Drepung Monastery, Lhasa. The Twelfth Nyingchi Peach Blossom Cultural Tourism Festival of 2014 starts on March 26 in Kala Village, Nyingchi Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region.

Art Festival on Snow-covered Plateau

Art Festival on Snow-covered Plateau

 

Photo taken on Apr. 11th, 2014 shows the annual horse racing art festival is held in Sum Dzong Township of Pome County, Nyingchi Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region. During the festival, horse racing and equestrianism will be held; meanwhile, song and dance performance with strong Tibetan flavor will also be put on by local villagers in vivid colors.

Nyang Pavillion in Nyingchi,SE Tibet

 

Photo taken on April 9 shows the Nyang Pavillion in Bayi County, Nyingchi Prefecture, southeast of Tibet. Sitting beside the Nyang River, the pavillion, a representative Tibetan construction, holds the Culture Heritage Museum of Southeast Tibet displaying the folk culture tradition of this area.

Butter Sculpture Handicraft's Inheritance in Tibet

 

Butter sculptures, together with prayer wheels, colorful prayer flags and piles of prayer stones, were endorsed by ancient Buddhist masters in Tibet as a flexible approach to help illiterate commoners practice Buddhism.

The sculptures made of white yak butter and mineral dyes depict scenes from the Buddha’s teachings and show the sculptors’ reverence for the Buddha and their wishes on the special day.

It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council in 2006.

Trip to Kumbum Monastery for Spring Outing

 

During the Tomb-sweeping Day holiday, a large number of tourists and Buddhist followers visited the Kumbum Monastery. As a key tourist attraction of Qinghai, the monastery boasts of three artistic specialties including butter sculptures, mural paintings and embroidery.

Story of Tomb Keeper in Tibet

 

Samdrup, the only tomb keeper in Lhasa Martyrs Cemetery, has devoted his life to grave keeping. Dated back to 24 years ago, twenty-year-old Samdrup began his career after serving the army.

Samdrup looks after the graves every day by cleaning the cemetery and telling the heroic stories of martyrs to tomb sweepers.

“I am an ordinary Tibetan. But I know the happy life we are living is gained by the sacrifice of the martyrs. Only by taking good care of the cemetery will I let the martyrs rest in peace,” said Samdrup.

Lhasa Martyrs Cemetery buries near 1,500 martyrs who have lost their lives in big events of Tibet, including the construction of Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet railways, the brief border war between China and India in 1962 and the social constructions in Tibet.

The Tomb-sweeping Day, or Qingming festival,which fell on Apr.5 this year, is the most important period for Chinese to remember the deceased.

Azerbaijani Mountaineers to Conquer Shishapangma Peak of Himalayas

 

Azerbaijani climbers Israfil Ashurlu and Firuz Dadashov will leave for Tibet Autonomous Region of China to scale 8,027-meter high Shishapangma peak of Himalayas, the Azerbaijan Mountaineering Federation said on Thursday.

The expedition will run more than a month.

Shishapangma is the fourteenth-highest mountain in the world and, at 8,013 m, the lowest of the eight thousands meters.

Shishapangma is located in south-central Tibet of China, five kilometers from the Chinese border with Nepal. It is the highest peak in the Jugal Himal which is contiguous with and often considered part of Langtang Himal.

Ashurlu is the first representative of Azerbaijan who has conquered the most northern mountain over 7,000 meters high. He is the first among Azerbaijani sportsmen who has a title ‘Snow Leopard.’ In 2007 Ashurlu conquered the highest point of the planet.

New Air Route Links Tibet and Qinghai

 

Tibet Airlines has launched regular flights between Tibet and Qinghai Province in the northwest.

The new route, which links the regional capital Lhasa and Qinghai’s Gelmud City, went into service on Monday, according to Lin Mingjing, deputy manager of the marketing department with Tibet Airlines.

Using Airbus A319, there will be three round trips each week, with each single trip lasting one hour and 20 minutes.

“I believe that the new route will give a big boost to regional tourism,” Lin said.

Tibet opened 13 new air routes in 2013, bringing the total number in the region to 48 and the number of cities linked with Tibet to 29.

The region received a record 2.76 million air passengers in 2013, up 24.4 percent from the previous year, according to the regional civil aviation authorities.

First Woman Qomolangma Mountaineer Passes Away

 

At 7:00 am on March 31, 2014, as complications of diabetes set in, the heart of China’s first woman mountaineer reaching the summit of Mt. Qomolangma stopped beating at Wuxi Hospital in Jiangsu Province of China.

Her name was Pan Duo, 75 years old. She was also world’s first woman ever reached the summit from the north slope of Mt. Qomolangma.

Her loss was felt not only across China but also throughout the international mountaineering circle. Her glory remains, on the page of Chinese and global mountaineering history.

On May 27, 1975, Pan Duo and eight male mountaineers from China Mountaineering Team reached the summit of Mt. Qomolangma by way of its north slope, leaving world’s first women mountaineers’ footprint on that summit.

Living Fossil Traditional Dwellings of Kongpo Tibetans

 

There are three 100-year-old dwellings in the Conggo Village of Gongbo gyamda County of Nyingchi Prefecture, southeast Tibet Autonomous Region. The village is the only place in the Gongbo district that completely preserved traditional Tibetan village layout, residential architectural style, custom, culture and faith. The old buildings are living fossils, providing outsiders a window to understand Gongbo Tibetans.

Drolma Lhamo, hostess of one of the old houses, introduced: “Our house has over two hundred years history, and our elders have been living in this house from generation to generation. Now my family and I are also living in the house. We have a deep feeling with it.”

The house has two floors with the first floor stacked forage and sundry. It was mainly built of wood.

Holy Mountain and Lake in Ngari

Located in west Tibet, Ngari Prefecture borders India, Nepal and Kashmir. As world’s least populous prefecture, it covers 300,000 square kilometers at an average of 4,500 meters above sea- level. Intersection for Gangdise Mountains and Karakoran Mountains, Ngari is also the birthplace of a couple of major domestic and international rivers. It is therefore dubbed “ancestry of all rivers” and “origin of all springs” Rolling mountain peaks and meandering rivers overlook myriads of lakes unfold themselves through boundless prairie.

Among the numerous majestic mountains in Ngari, Mt. Kailash in Purang County is the best known holy mountain to the world as recognized as the center of this planet in Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Bonism (the original religion in Tibet). The highest peak in Gangdise Mountain range, Mt. Kailash zigzags into a pyramid shape, averaging 6,656 meters above sea-level. In Tibetan language, Kailash means “mountain of gods and goddesses”.

Twenty kilometers onwards from Mt. Kangrinpoche lies another engaging spot-Lake Manassarovar. A freshwater lake averages 4,588 meters above sea-level with 412 square kilometers of coverage and 70 meters of depth. It is world’s highest fresh water lake. When the day clears up, the water appears transparently blue with ripples on the lake surface and reflected images of the clouds and the sky.

Tibet's Yamdroktso Lake Listed in National Pilot Project

 

The Yamdroktso Lake in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region has recently been listed into the State’s pilot project on ecological environmental protection of 100 good lakes.

The Yamdroktso Lake is the second holy lake in Tibet to be listed in the project after the Namtso Lake. And related preliminary work was conducted last year.

Boasting beautiful and charming natural landscapes, the lakes in Tibet including Yamdroktso Lake attract a great number of tourists at home and abroad every year.

In order to resolve the hidden danger of household garbage brought by tourism development, the environmental department of Tibet has taken measures to strengthen the management and ecotourism tourism publicity at key scenic spots.

Tibet Sees Recovery Growth in Wildlife Number

 

According to the Forest Department of Tibet, there appears a recovery growth in the number of protected animals in the region.

The number of Tibetan antelopes under state first class protection has increased from some 160,000 in 2007 to 70,000 in 1995, while that of the black-necked crane has soared from some 7,000 to 1,000 before 1995.

At present, 45 out of 141 kinds of protected animals are under national first class protection level.

Sports Meeting Held in Tibetan Village

 

The picture shows the villagers take part in the games at a sports meeting held in Gachang Village, Lhunzhub County of Lhasa. It is a sports meeting full of rural fun, which includes traditional Tibetan tug-of-war, race with sandbag as well as other games.

Tibet Receives 73 Foreign Mountaineering Groups Last Year

 

Tibet received 73 foreign mountaineering expeditions last year.

A total of 626 foreign climbers were welcomed by Tibet, said Zhang Mingxing, director of Tibet Mountaineering Administration.

Mt. Qimolangma, Mt. Qowowuyag and Mt. Shishapangma are the favorite mounts for foreign climbers.

Mountaineering expertise training courses are being held by Tibet Mountaineering Association three days in a row from Mar 18.

The training courses are expected to help professional mountaineering coaches and guides better communicate with foreign climbers.

More than one hundred mountaineering professionals have taken part in the training program which is aimed at promoting mountain climbing in Tibet internationally.

Experts from Tibet Foreign Affairs Office and Tibet Frontier Corps give lectures on etiquette of international and cross-cultural exchanges.

New Changes in 2014's Spring Sowing in Tibet

 

Jan. 15 of the Tibetan calendar, which falls on Mar. 16, 2014, is the “starting ploughing festival”. The production modes are advanced with the times with traditions and custom of Tibetan styled farming culture inherited.

In the early morning of the day, villagers wearing their holiday costumes and best jewelries of Chuphu Village, Chushur County in Lhasa, gathered in the most fertile farmland of the village to start the year’s ploughing,.

On 10:45 of the day, a sacred white stone considered as the “embodiment of dragon’s daughter” was placed in the farmland as part of the sacrificial ritual. Zanba (roasted highland barley flour) and highland barley wine were offered to the stone, with aromatic plants burnt and sacred songs being sung. Tibetan farmers hoped the holy stone could protect crops from hailstones, worms and birds, and bring good weather and harvest in the year.

Mani Stone Piles in Tibet

 

Mani stone piles can be seen everywhere in Tibet in mountain-passes and on river banks.

Mani stone refers to the stones engraved with the six-syllable prayer word “om mani padme hum”. Tibetans often describe one’s loyal heart as firm as the invariant carvings on stones, which can be traced in the heroic stories of King Gesar where his foot-print and his horse’s foot-print left in places of historical interest are revered by Tibetans.

Mani stones piles can be used as road signs, sacrifice to holy spirits, and tokens of worship and prayer, among which the latter two meanings are still popular in Tibet and Tibetan inhabited areas.

Two Wetlands in Tibet Applies for National Natural Reserves

 

To further protect wetland resources and improve its protection system, the Mansarowar wetland and Midikha wetland have applied to be promoted as national natural reserves from local natural reserves, according to Forestry Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

It is the first time to make areas where wild yaks and Tibetan antelopes breed and calve into the key protection areas.

At present, Tibet has established 47 natural reserves, 9 of which are under state–level protection, 14 are under autonomous region protection and 24 are at city and county levels. The protection areas in Tibet have reached 413,700 kilometers, accounting for 33.9 percent of the total land area and ranking the first in China.

Butter Sculpture Festival Celebrated in Jampaling Monastery, Chamdo

 

Tibetan Buddhist monks and believers attend the Butter Sculpture Festival in Jampaling Monastery, Chamdo, east Tibet, on March 16. The festival is hailed on Jan. 15th of the Tibetan calendar every year, to commemorate Sakyamuni’s triumph over other Buddhism sects on sutra debating. Jampaling Monastery is the biggest Monastery of Gelug sect of the Tibetan Buddhism in eastern Tibet. Butter sculptures are colored monuments built of yak butter mixed with fat and wax commemorating various traditional stories and fables.

Monks Debate over Buddhist Scriptures

 

Inside the Jampaling Monastery in Chamdo Town of Chamdo Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, monks are enjoying sutra debates over Buddhist scriptures on March 13.

The Jampaling Monastery is under the administration of the Gelug Sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was founded during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) after founder Tsongkapa’s religious reform in Tibet.

The sutra debate is a special religious practice for monks to better understand the Buddhist scriptures, which usually takes place in a shady clearing on the courtyard inside a Buddhist monastery.

The Only Catholic Church in use in SW China's Tibet

 

Yanjing Catholic Church is in Naxi Ethnic Group Township of Markam County under Chamdo Prefecture, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Established in 1865, the Yanjing (literally “salt well”) Catholic Church is the only catholic church still in use in the region. Its architecture features a Tibetan exterior design combined with a Gothic one in the interior. The church has one priest and two sisters, and holds masses on Christmas and Easter besides weekly services in the Tibetan language for its 559 Catholic practitioners.

Changes in Women's Status in Tibet

 

A day before Mar.8, International Women’s Day, hundreds of Tibetan women gathered in a Tibetan courtyard in Dagar Village, Quxu County of Lhasa to celebrate their own festival.

“It’s really impossible and unimaginable in the past,” said Gornthan, a 77-year-old grandma who was shooting a video under her daughter’s guidance.

“In the old days, only the lords had parties or gatherings, while ordinary women had no status at all, not to mention watching Gorchom circle dance and playing games like this,” said Gornthan.

In old Tibet, it was stipulated that women belonged to “the lowest level of people”, whose life was priced as low as a straw rope.

In recent years, Tibetan women have increasing consciousness in economy and independence, who all wish to realize their self-value with the constantly improved social status.

Young Man from Northern China Cycles to Tibet

 

Zhang Ziwei, 36 years old, started on his bicycle adventure on Mar.5 from northern China’s Baoding of Hebei Province, heading for Tibet in southwestern China.

With a big backpack and a camera, he set off in the early morning with a group of his relatives and friends seeing him off.

According to his plan, he will travel almost 6,000 kilometers westwards.

Zhang Ziwei, once a champion of Graeco-Roman wresting, now runs a company. He threw himself in the gym before his departure to make sure he is strong enough to conquer all the difficulties he may meet on the road.

Besides, he also collected a pile of materials and learned from some experienced cyclists who succeeded in traveling to Tibet.

To make his journey significant, Zhang will record with his camera and notebook the people who need help and update it to the Internet to vow the public attention.

Zhang will also introduce the beautiful scenery of his hometown to people he will meet.

His 64-year-old mother told the reporter she supported his son’s adventure and hoped he could come back safe.

Knowing his adventure, many people provided him some necessities like sleeping bag to make his journey smoother.

 

Lhasa to Have China's Biggest Astronomical Telescope for Public

 

China’s heaviest self-manufactured astronomical telescope will be soon put to use in Lhasa. Astrophiles will be able to observe the universe through it for free by May 2015.

Lhasa, the city on the Tibetan Plateau, has particularly favorable natural conditions for astronomical observation throughout the year, thanks to its high altitude and crystal clear air.

With a 1-m diameter lens, the telescope was independently designed and developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC).

The to-be-completed telescope will be delivered into the planetarium within Tibet Museum of Natural Sciences, which is under construction and designed to cover an area of 1,500 square meters.

Magnificent Pastoral View Along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

 

The scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway that is known as the highest railway in the world is breathtakingly attractive. Amidst the numerous high and gigantic snow-capped mountains spread a range of hills, lakes and gorges, constituting undulation alpine prairie. The most magnificent pastoral view along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the famous Qiangtang or Changtang Grassland in north Tibet.

Service on the Train to Tibet

 

Train has become the major way to Tibet for travelers. As it is a long-distance trip, the service on the train is very important. In order to make passengers travel comfortably onboard, the train is equipped with air-condition, oxygen supply system and anti-radiation sightseeing windows.
The oxygen supply system is the most important. It is the key element to ensure passengers’ comfort and safety because 960km of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is built on the area over 4,000 meters above sea level, which easily causes high altitude sickness.

The Highlights of A Tibet Train Journey Start from Golmud to Lhasa

 

Though the Qinghai-Tibet Railway starts from Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, its highlight is the section from Golmud to Lhasa. The lotal length of this railway is 1,956 km, 815 km of which is between Xining and Golmud and 1,142 km of which lies between Golmud and Lhasa. Over 80% of the Golmud-Lhasa section is at an elevation of over 4,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point of 5072 meters at the Tanggula Pass.

Tibet Train Ride, Your Lifetime Journey

 

Have you ever thought of doing something different to make your life more exciting? You might find excitement by just going in a different direction than you’re used to. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii or visit far away friends. Why not try something totally different, like travelling to the roof of the world?
Tibet, with an average elevation exceeding 4,500 metres, is renowned as the roof of the world. There are different ways of travelling to Tibet, by air, by railway and by road. Among these ways, by train to Tibet is the most popular as Tibet train ride is known as a lifetime journey.

The Most Popular Way to Tibet from China

 

Each year, over ten millions of travelers travel to Tibet from mainland China or from Nepal, but more than 90% of them from China as it is more convenient. There are many flights, trains and highways to Tibet from China. The most popular way to Tibet from China is by train.
Usually, it takes at most 6 hours to fly to Tibet, but at least 23 hours to Lhasa by train. Then why do travelers still choose the train to Tibet? On one hand, it is an economic way to Tibet. On the other hand, travelers can experience a unique train ride on the highest railway in the world, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. More than 960 km of this railway is at an elevation of over 4,000 meters. It is the highest in the world.

Reservation Tibet Train Tickets in Advance

 

Though booking train tickets online from the official website of China Railway Company is very popular among Chinese travelers, it is nearly impossible for individual travelers to book a train ticket to Lhasa by this way. Because most train tickets are reserved by travel agencies.
The best and secure way for foreign tourists to book Tibet train tickets is by using a reputable online travel agency, which will charge a service fee. Some travel agencies have an annual reservation from the ticket office, so they can get tickets much easier that others.

Nagchu, the Northern Tibetan Pearl by Qinghai-Tibet Railway

 

Nagchu which means “black river” in Tibetan language refers to a prefecture in northern Tibet or a town within the prefecture. The Nagchu town located at an elevation of around 4,500 metres and by located by the well-known Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the administrative center of this prefecture.
The Nagchu known as “a pearl in northern Tibet” is famous for its unique landscape, the vast Qiangtang Grassland, the holy lakes Namtso, Tangra Yumco and over 1,000 other lakes like jadeite scattered on the grassland of the plateau. There are also many hot springs and geothermal spots at this region.

Why Can't I Book Tibet Train Ticket on Internet

 

Many foreign travelers who plan to travel to Tibet by train may be confused by this question that why they can’t book Tibet train ticket on internet by themselves.
The major reason is that the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is an extremely popular tourist railroad in China. Each day, thousands of travelers travel to Tibet via this railway.
Another reason is that because most train tickets, sleeper tickets in particular, are reserved by travel agencies. Generally, the travel agency who can guarantee the train tickets, attracts more customers.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway Boosts Tourism in Tibet

 

Dondrup used to be a farmer and plant highland barley in his hometown, Lhatse County, Shigatze Prefecture. After the establishment of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in 2006 which brought soaring number of visitors, Dondrup started to provide hospitality services.
In a few years’ time, Dondrup became the first farmer multimillionaire in his hometown. As he said, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway not only brought tourists and consumers, but also boundless business opportunities.

International Opinion on Building Qinghai-Tibet Railway

 

“To build a railway on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau? It is a big joke!” This was what most experts’ reaction throughout the world when the Chinese annouced to constructed the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. They did not believe that Chinese engineers could build a railway at high altitude.
Yes, it seemed impossible to build the railway on the Tibetan plateau featuring high altitude, harsh climate, lack of oxygen and permafrost. The permafrost was the biggest obstruction.
Until today, the railway has been put in use for more than 7 years safely. Millions of travelers have traveled by the Tibet train. Most of the travelers think highly of this railway.

What Tibetan People Think of Qinghai-Tibet Railway

 

In the past, few people in Tibet knew what a train looked like as most Tibetan people spent their whole life on the plateau and lead a very simple life. In their world, there were only Tsampa, Butter Tea, Pulu and Buddha.
Noaways, many young Tibetan people go to college or go to work in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu or other metroplises of mainland by this highway. Some of them even have never thought of such an opportunity to see the world outside and learn something different from Buddhist scripture.
The Tibetan people who stay in Tibet also lead a new life. Some farmers begin to do business, such as running a small restaurant, a family hotel or just a samll shop. Everyday, they can see lots of travelers from all over the world and sometimes learn a little English from American or British travelers.

The First Snow in Lhasa

 

The first snow fell on the Jan. 12, 2014 in Lhasa. The Potala Palace seems like the Sleeping Beauty, waiting to be woke up under the cloak of snow by her prince. Were you there, you will see a totally differet scenery, which may take your breath away.

Sweet Home of Wild Animals in Tibetan Plateau

When Chinese government annouced to build the Qinghai-Tibet Railway across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, many people worried about that the railway would damage the sweet home and life of the wild animals in the plateau. Protecting the environment was always put first in designing and constructing this railway.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway has been put into use for seven years. The wild animals in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau also has gotten used to the railway. Many wild animals even increased during these years. Were you lucky enough, you can actually see some on the Tibet train!

Merry Christmas

 

Greetings from China Tibet Train!
Hello everyone! Merry X-mas to you all! Did Santa come last night? What presents did you get? I got lots of candies and an apple! Here are blessings from different countries for you!

圣诞节快乐!
Merry Christmas!
メリークリスマス!
Feliz Navidad!
Joyeux Noel!
Buon Natale!
Boas Festas!

Tibet Travel Bureau is Now Picking Its Tourism Ambassador

 

Tibet Travel Bureau is Now Picking Its Tourism Ambassador! After so many contests and votes, to you, which girl is the ideal Tibetan girl?
The 1st girl is candidate No. 009. She is a postgraduate who is fond of dancing.
The 2nd one is candidate No. 036. She is an excellent policewoman.
The 3rd girl is candidate No. 008. She is only 19 years old, studying in Tibetan University.
The 4th one is candidate No. 016. She is a really hard-working girl, looking forward to her bright future.
The 5th one is candidate No. 006. She is a very optimistic procurator.
The 6th girl is candidate No. 017. She is also working for the court, a grade 5 judge.
The 7th girl is candidate No. 013. She is a senior student who is about to graduate from Tibet University.
The last girl is candidate No. 011. She is also a senior student. She wants to grasp this valuable chance in the competition.
Are you ready to vote for her now? Tell me your favorite one!

Restaurant Car on Tibet train

 

In order to offer passengers fresh meals, each Tibet train is provided with a restaurant car that offers 3 meals a day for hundreds of travelers. This car is usually situated next to the soft-sleeper car.
The restaurant car has a kitchen, a dining room and a mini bar. The cooks prepare both Tibetan and Chinese dishes for passengers. For breakfast, passengers will be served with pickles, eggs, bread and milk. For lunch and dinner, there are both Chinese and Tibetan dishes.
The dining room is decorated in a unique Tibetan folk style, which let travelers feel a strong Tibetan atmosphere before arriving in Tibet.

Sightseeing on the Qinghai-Tibet Train

 

The construction of Qinghai-Tibet Railway ends the history of Tibet without a railway. This railway connects Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, and Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. On the train to Tibet from Xining, passengers can enjoy unique scenery in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Trains to Tibet

 

Trains to Tibet departs from several cities in Tibet. Now let’s check out in which city can you get on the dreamy train.

Beijing ↔ Lhasa: T27, T28
Chengdu ↔ Lhasa: T22/T23, T21/T24
Chongqing ↔ Lhasa: T264/T265, T221/T224
Lanzhou ↔ Lhasa: K917, K918
Xining ↔ Lhasa: K9801, K9802
Shanghai ↔ Lhasa: T164/T165, T166/T163
Guangzhou ↔ Lhasa: T264/T265, T266/T263

In addition, in its peak season, there will be extra trains(K9811, K9812) running between West Xining and Lhasa.

Are you ready to book ticket now?