Notes on Tibet and its Transformation

Overview

• Half of China’s population resides in coastal cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
• Western provinces like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Yunnan are more diverse and remote, featuring unique landscapes and cultures.
• Tibet is known as the "rooftop of the world," with harsh living conditions but rich heritage.

Geological Background

• Tibet was once underwater, lifted by tectonic plate collision, forming the Himalayas.
• It experiences freezing winters and has less than two-thirds of sea-level oxygen.

Population and Culture

• Approximately 3 million people live in the Tibet Autonomous Region (size similar to Western Europe).
• Lhasa is the capital, significant for Tibetan Buddhism.
• The region has a history of small kingdoms unified by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.
• The Jokhang Temple is a sacred site in Lhasa, visited by thousands of pilgrims daily.

Religious Practices

• Pilgrims perform "kora" (circumambulation) around sacred sites.
• The market on Barkhor Street showcases traditional Tibetan clothing and culture.

Fashion and Entrepreneurship

• Konchotashi, a fashion entrepreneur, aims to modernize Tibetan clothing.
• His designs blend Western styles with traditional Tibetan elements.

Economic Growth and Change

• Since the 1978 reforms, Tibet has experienced rapid economic growth, surpassing national averages.
• The government has provided subsidies for housing and education for nomads.

Infrastructure Development

• Yangbajing is home to China’s largest geothermal power station, providing energy to the region.
• Solar panels take advantage of high solar radiation in Tibet.

Scientific Research

• The Tibet-Asia Gamma Experiment investigates cosmic rays at high altitudes.
• The facility is crucial for understanding high-energy particles from space.

Cultural Preservation

• Monks at Drepung Monastery have a tradition of creating Tangka paintings.
• The Shoton Festival celebrates the unveiling of Tangka paintings and features traditional opera.

Challenge of Modernization

• Traditional Tangka art faces competition from mass-produced versions.
• A new high-speed motorway aims to connect remote areas, increasing access to resources.

Challenges in Construction

• The Miele Mountain Tunnel faces extreme conditions: low oxygen, groundwater floods, and severe temperatures.
• Construction is vital for reducing travel time between Lhasa and Ningxi.

Conclusion

• The Tibetan plateau is evolving with a blend of tradition and modernity.
• Cultural practices, art, and economic growth are interwoven with challenges and opportunities.
• Tibet's future is characterized by both devotion and creativity, reflecting broader changes in China.