Tibet is the birthplace of the Tibetan people. The earliest human activities were found in the late Old Stone Age. In the seventh century, King Songtsen Gampo united Tibet and founded the Turpan Regime. The relationship between the Tibetans and the Hans were tightened through marriages. In the mid-13 th century, Tibet become an administrative region of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the central government administrated Tibet by granting titles to the administrative and religious heads. In Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) rulers conferred titles upon each reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and the Panchen Erdeni, the two living Buddha in Tibet.

Tibet saw a peaceful liberation in 1951.Eight years later, the feudal slavery system was replaced with the implementation of the people's democratic reform. In 1965, according to the Constitutions of the People's Republic of China, Tibet was renamed as the Tibet Autonomous Region. Over the years since its establishment, the Tibet Autonomous Region has enjoyed preferential policies made by the state, which has in turn pushed forward the social and economic development and uplifted the living standard of the local people in Tibet.

Tibet has rich resources of hydraulic, geothermal, solar as well as wind energy, and abounds in forest resources in eastern gorge area. As one of China's five major pastoral areas, agriculture and livestock breeding are the backbone of its economy, whose outputs of green pear, goat and herbal medicine occupy important positions in China. The growing of the highland barley, peas, horse beans, jute and beet, etc are also of great importance. Its industries of handicraft, ore and agricultural machinery are developing fast.

Known as the "Roof of the World" at an average altitude of about 5,000 meters, 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 historic sites include the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Drepung Monastery, the Sera Monastery, the Tashlunbu Monastery, the Yalong River in southern Tibet, and the Tombs of the Tibetan Kings, etc.

Qomolangma (Mount Everest) is a transliteration from Tibetan, meaning goddess of mountain. The 8,848-meter Qomolangma is the main peak of the Himalayas. Situated on the border between China and Nepal, it is the highest mountain in the world. This majestic peak has long attracted mountaineers, scientists, and ordinary tourists.

Tibet has a highland climate, with lower temperature and less precipitation than most parts of China. It has thin air, long hours of sunshine and intense solar radiation. There is great difference in climate between the north and south -- the Northern Tibet Plateau has a mean annual temperature of -2oC and is covered with snow half of the year, and the Southern Tibet Valleys are much more temperate and humid.

Tibetans are also good dancers and singers. Their dancing is beautiful with movements executed either with the arms and waist or with legs and feet, and the tap dance is the most typical Tibetan style. The Tibetan opera is one of the famous opera forms in China. Tibetans believe in Lamaism, which was introduced in the 13th century.

Tibet is charming for its beautiful and spectacular landscape, the unique folklore, and the brilliant culture, which have drawn numerous visitors from around the world.