Area: 1.2 million square km

Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is located at the north bank of the Kyichu River, a tributary of the Yarlong Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level. It has been the center of politics, culture, and religion in Tibet for more than 1,300 years. Its name-- "Lhasa"--means "the land of gods" in Tibetan. Palaces and temples abound!

It snows only once or twice a year in Lhasa, and due to the perpetual bright sunshine, daytime temperatures are not harsh even in the coldest winters.

Buddhism was influenced by the local religion, called Bon, and developed into a form called Lamaism. By the10th century, the religious movement began to assert political leadership as well. In 1573, a reincarnation of Tsongkapa, the founder of the "yellow hat" sect devoted to religious reform, became the first Dalai Lama.

With a long history and unique natural environment, Tibet boasts of rich ethnic folklore and magnificent highland scenery. However, long ago, the land now known as Tibet was just a vast expanse of sea. Only at the time of the Himalayan orogenic movement did Tibet evolve to become the highest plateau on the earth.