Map of Tibet Autonomous Region - (New Version)

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-12-01
Features: Administrative divisions: County-level and above administrative regions; Transportation: Airports, railways, expressways, national highways, provincial highways, county and township roads; Tourism: Distribution of scenic spots and historical sites; Place names: Names of all townships and above, and most village names; Cities: Plain maps of provincial capital cities. The short name for the Tibet Autonomous Region is Tibet. The regional capital Lhasa is located on the southwestern frontier of China, covering an area of over 1.2 million square kilometers. Most of the region is a plateau above 5,000 meters in altitude, forming the main part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "Roof of the World." The Himalayan mountain range has numerous peaks exceeding 8,000 meters in altitude, including Mount Everest at 8,848 meters, the world's highest peak, hence the nickname "Third Pole of the World." Other features include the southern Tibet Valley and the eastern Tibet mountain gorges. The region has numerous plateau lakes, covering nearly 30,000 square kilometers, accounting for about one-third of China's total lake area. The climate is alpine. Northern Tibet is arid and cold, with average temperatures in January ranging from -20°C to -10°C, below 10°C in July, and annual precipitation below 200 millimeters. Southern and eastern Tibet valleys are relatively warm and humid. In Lhasa, average temperatures in January are -2°C, in July are 15°C, and annual precipitation is 438 millimeters. In Zayü, they are 0°C, 22°C, and 1,000 millimeters, respectively, with natural landscapes approaching subtropical conditions. The vertical distribution of climate in valleys is distinct. The region receives abundant sunshine, making it a potential energy source. The population is primarily Tibetan, with other ethnic groups such as Han, Aba, Loba, and Hui. The economy is dominated by agriculture and animal husbandry, with abundant production of green pears, goats, and traditional Chinese medicines. Handicrafts, as well as the production of minerals, cement, and agricultural machinery, have seen significant development. Compared to most other parts of China, Tibet has thin air, abundant sunshine, lower temperatures, and less precipitation. In Tibet, there are approximately 150–170 grams of oxygen per cubic meter of air, equivalent to 62% to 65.4% of that in plains. Tibet receives the highest solar radiation in China, twice or one-third more than plains at the same latitude, with sunshine hours also being one of the highest centers in the country. Lhasa's average sunshine hours reach 3,021 annually. Temperatures are relatively low, with small annual temperature differences but significant diurnal variations. In areas like Lhasa, Xigaze, and Qamdo, annual temperature differences range from 18 to 20°C. In the Ali region, above 5,000 meters in altitude, daytime temperatures in August exceed 10°C, while nighttime temperatures drop below freezing. Tibet's precipitation is unevenly distributed across seasons, with a clear boundary between dry and rainy seasons, and frequent night rains. Annual precipitation decreases from 5,000 millimeters in the southeastern lowlands to 50 millimeters in the northwest. From October to the following April, precipitation accounts for only 10%–20% of the year; from May to September, rainfall is highly concentrated, typically making up 90% of the annual total. Tibet has a tropical monsoon climate and a tropical marine climate, with high temperatures and abundant rainfall as its main climatic features. The average annual temperature is 22°C, with sunshine hours ranging from 1,750 to 2,650, and a sunshine rate of 50%–60%. The average annual rainfall exceeds 1,600 millimeters. Tibet's temperatures are relatively high, with daytime temperatures in Sanya reaching 30°C even in January. The region is picturesque, with warm winters like spring, making October to May the best time for tourism. The world's highest peaks along the China-Nepal border are ideal for mountaineering and scientific research tourism, with conquering Mount Everest being a dream for climbers. The dazzling beauty of crystal-clear ice peaks and magnificent glacial landscapes captivates visitors. There are about 600 geothermal activity zones in Tibet, the most in the country, featuring rare geysers and hydrothermal explosion zones. Geothermal phenomena are highly attractive, with the Yangbajing Geothermal Power Station in Tibet being the largest in mainland China, drawing crowds of visitors. The Tibetan people are known for their singing and dancing and have distinct living customs compared to other ethnic groups. They widely follow Tibetan Buddhism (commonly known as Lamaism), with unique worship practices, grand religious festivals, and distinctive religious arts such as Thangka paintings and Tibetan opera. The region boasts magnificent religious buildings like the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery, along with rich collections, all of which amaze tourists. Other topics of historical interest include the historical relationship between the local Tibetan government and the central Chinese government, the ancient Tang-Tibet Road and its, and the "plate tectonic suture zone" along the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which is a key for studying crustal dynamics.
Scenic Spots and Historical Sites: Tibet not only has the unique geological landscapes and natural scenery of the "Roof of the World" but also boasts distinctive social and cultural attractions. Historically, there were over 2,700 temples, along with numerous palaces, gardens, castles, fortresses, ancient tombs, and steles.