Tibet has been an integral part of Chinese territory since ancient times, and one of the main Tibetan-inhabited areas in China. In the aftermath of the Opium Wars in the middle of the 19th century, the UK-led imperialist powers began to cultivate the idea of "Tibet independence", intentionally undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During my first week in Tibet autonomous region back in 2000, I noticed, and appreciated, the modern facilities in cities such as Lhasa and Xigaze. While there was much still steeped in tradition, the amenities for visitors were welcoming, particularly after several days traversing often unpaved roads.
Continuous snow has swept Qinghai province in Northwest China since the start of November, accumulating record high precipitation in the region's 57 years of history of meteorological records.
Tibet received 31.025 million tourists from home and abroad in the first nine months this year, a year-on-year growth of 29.9 percent, according to data released by the Commission of Tourism Development of Tibet Autonomous Region.
Dingri county in the Tibet autonomous region plans to introduce environmentally friendly electric vehicles near the Qomolangma Base Camp starting next year, according to the county's Tourism Development Commission.
Zhanang county in Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region has been building the region's first desert park since March, according to the county's tourism development commission.