Map of the Tibet Autonomous Region

Author: Wang Ruiping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-12-01
Features: The abbreviation for the Tibet Autonomous Region is Tibet. The regional capital Lhasa is located in the southwestern frontier of China, covering an area of over 1.2 million square kilometers. Most of the region is a plateau with an elevation of over 5,000 meters, forming the main part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which is known as the "Roof of the World." The Himalayan Mountains are a series of towering peaks, with five of them exceeding 8,000 meters in elevation. Among them, Mount Everest stands at 8,848 meters, making it the world's highest peak and hence earning the title of the "Third Pole of the World." There are also the Tsangnan Valley and the eastern Tibetan highland gorges. The region is home to numerous plateau lakes, covering nearly 30,000 square kilometers, accounting for about one-third of China's total lake area. It has a plateau climate. Northern Tibet is arid and cold, with average temperatures in January ranging from -20°C to -10°C, below 10°C in July, and an annual precipitation of less than 200 millimeters. Southern and eastern Tibetan 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 Chaibu, the figures are 0°C, 22°C, and 1,000 millimeters, respectively, with natural landscapes close to subtropical conditions. The climate in the valleys exhibits clear vertical distribution characteristics. The region receives abundant sunshine, making it a rich source of potential energy. The population is primarily Tibetan, with other ethnic groups including Han, Aba, Loba, and Hui. The economy is primarily based on 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 the oxygen found in plain areas. Tibet is the region with the highest solar radiation in China, receiving twice or one-third more solar energy than plain areas at the same latitude. It also has the highest sunshine hours in the country, with Lhasa averaging 3,021 hours of sunshine annually. Temperatures are relatively low, with small annual temperature differences but significant diurnal temperature variations. In areas like Lhasa, Changdu, and Shigatse, the annual temperature difference ranges from 18–20°C. In the Ali region, at elevations above 5,000 meters, daytime temperatures in August exceed 10°C, while nighttime temperatures drop below 0°C. The seasonal distribution of precipitation across Tibet is uneven, with a very clear boundary between the 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 annual total; from May to September, rainfall is highly concentrated, generally making up about 90% of the annual precipitation. Tibet has a tropical monsoon climate and a tropical marine climate, with high temperatures and abundant rainfall as its primary climatic features. The average annual temperature is 22°C, with sunshine hours ranging from 1,750 to 2,650, and a light intensity of 50%–60%. The average annual rainfall exceeds 1,600 millimeters. Tibet's temperatures are relatively high, with even in January, daytime temperatures in Sanya can reach 30°C. Tibet is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and mild winters, making it a prime tourist destination from October to May. 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 many climbers. The dazzling ice peaks and magnificent glacial landscapes are breathtaking in their grandeur. There are approximately 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 numerous 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. They also have magnificent religious buildings and rich collections, including the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery, all of which offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan culture. Other topics, such as the historical relationship between the local Tibetan government and the central Chinese government, the ancient Tang-Tibet Road and its (historical sites along the route), and the "plate tectonic suture zone" in the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, are excellent subjects for historical research. The study of the Earth's crust dynamics can also be unlocked through these geological features.
Scenic Spots and Historical Sites: Tibet is not only home to the unique geological and natural landscapes of the "Roof of the World" but also boasts distinctive social and cultural attractions. Historically, there were over 2,700 temples in the region, along with numerous palaces, gardens, castles, fortresses, ancient tombs, and steles.