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Audience: This tour is a perfect compromise between back packing and being bussed around with a new hotel every night. Although the hiking is not difficult, daily hikes of 10 to 15 km (1 km = 0.621 mile) require good endurance. You should be an enthusiastic, experienced day hiker to enjoy this trip. For detail itinerary please click on the menu-bar at the top of this page.
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Tibet in eyes of foreign journalists
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Potala Palace is the symbol of Tibet, China
On July 1, 2006 Qinghai-Tibet Railway put into operation
which changed the History of Tibet forever !!
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Sketch map of the route of Qinghai-Tibet railway.
Map of Tibet Autonomous Region.
View Introduction Video of QingHai-Tibet Railway.
(video records "http://zt.tibet.cn/news/audio002.asp?id=6993" are from en.tibet.cn)
A Video of QingHai-Tibet Railway I
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A Video of QingHai-Tibet Railway II
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Qinghai-Tibet railway marks anniversary
www.chinaview.cn 2007-07-01 21:01:06
LHASA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Tibetan people have celebrated the first year of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, recalling the changes brought by the rail link that connects the landlocked region to the rest of the country.
"When the rails rattle, the money comes in" was how Losang Cering, 40, of Liuwu Village, near the Lhasa railway terminal, described the railway's benefits.
"Before, we depended on the land for a living, but my people are working in construction, running home-style hotels, and some are driving cabs. They can earn about 2,000 yuan a month now, an unimaginable sum before," he said.
A year after its inauguration, the railway has transported 1.5 million people into Tibet, nearly half of the total tourist arrivals. The regional tourism administration says Tibet will receive more than three million tourists this year.
"The railway is like a colorful hada (ceremonial silk scarf regarded as a token of respect) that brings us good fortune," Losang said.
"The railway has facilitated access for pilgrims and believers in and outside Tibet, and we are seeing a major increase rather than decline in the number of pilgrims," said Chilai Qoisang, deputy director of the regional Buddhism association.
Statistics from the regional government show 328,000 pilgrims visited the Potala Palace, Norbuglinkha and Johkang Monastery, the top three religious sites in Lhasa, last year up by 62,000 from the previous year.
The 1,956-km railway, runs from Xining, capital of the northwestern Qinghai Province, to Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-07/01/content_6317397.htm
Information About Your Train Soft-Sleeper
Compartment
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A train is seen on the bridge over Lhasa River near Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region July 1, 2007. Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which began operation a year ago on July 1, is witnessing its first anniversary of its openning. The railway had transported 1.3 million passengers and 650,000 tons of goods in or out of Tibet by May 31 this year, according to Qinghai-Tibet Railway Company.
The first of the 4 trains starting from Lhasa railway station departs in the morning in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region July 1, 2007.
The first container freight train starts off from the Lhasa west station in Lhasa, capital of the southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on July 1, 2007. Container freight transportation was added to Qinghai-Tibet Railway Sunday, the one year inauguration anniversary of the world's highest railway.
The first container freight train starts off from the Lhasa west station in Lhasa, capital of the southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on July 1, 2007.
Visually impaired passengers wait in line to get aboard the train from Lhasa railway station in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region July 1, 2007.
A train is seen on the bridge over Lhasa River near Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region July 1, 2007.
to foster people-to-people relations between China and USA
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Before 1951 Peaceful Liberation
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After 1951 Peaceful Liberation
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To clarify: Dalai Lama and his so called "Tibetan independence"
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Tibet Fought Against Foreign Invasion"
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The Following History was written by a USA citizen and Professor of Purdue University after in-depth study.
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"Tibet, the mysterious land beyond the Himalayas, has for centuries been a seductive destination for travelers. Its rich Buddhist heritage, intrepid people and stunning natural beauty are a source of fascination and intrigue to people the world over. We offer you a way to magically step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place in Tibetan Cultural Area, where you can be at one with nature as nowhere else. "
"We will spend three days in Lhasa to show you the monasteries, Potala Palace and the way of life of Tibetans. It will also for Acclimatization. "
"You will hike the ancient pilgrimage footpath from GanDan Monastery to SamYe Monastery (the oldest Buddhism temple in Tibet) like a nomad with yaks (carrying your tents, food supplies and luggage) and with Tibetan herdsmen along your side. By experiencing the wonders and part of the spiritual challenges experienced by Tibet's pilgrims, we may gain an understanding of why Tibetans draw an equal sign between religion and life.".
"China opens the world's most elevated railroad, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, on July 1, 2006. We will take the train to gradually climb up to Tibet Plateau so that your body will get use to the 4000 meters above sea level. "
Please
read this: AWARE
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China Hiking Adventures Inc., hereafter referred to as the company, acts as agents for transport companies, hotels and other contractors and shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned for any reason, including, but not limited to, any defect in a vehicle, the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying a passenger, acts of God, detention; delays or expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations; accidents by aircraft, boat, bicycle or motor vehicle, or in any hotel, inn, restaurant or accommodation; failure of any means of transportation to arrive or depart as scheduled or changes in transit, hotel, inn, guest house or camping services. The passenger understands that during the course of the trip certain risks and dangers may occur, including but not limited to the hazards of travelling in mountainous terrain, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, and the forces of nature. The passenger agrees to assume all risks associated with the journey and agrees that no liability will attach to the company or its outfitters, employees or agents, or to any member of the tour group in respect of death, personal injury, illness or delay of the passenger, or for any loss of or damage to the property of the passenger during the course of the trip, howsoever caused. The company reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. In such a case, full refund of all payments will constitute full settlement with the passenger. The company reserves the right to decline, to accept, or to retain any person as a member of any party at any time.
SARS/Bird Flu situation in China click here
Paper from German scholars
source: en.tibet.cn
Tibet article makes key point
An article that stated "it is wrong to consider Lamaism a pacifying religion" has drawn a lot of attention since it appeared on the website of the China Tibet Information Center.
The article, quoting an item published in the German newspaper Die Welt on July 30, said the history of Tibet was not filled with peace.
It quoted the authors of the article, Victor Trimondi and Victoria Trimondi, as saying that Lamaism follows a strict hierarchical system that requires students to obey their master, contending that this system prevents people from developing their own personalities.
It highlighted the authors' point of view that international society has not been made aware of the violent and dark side of Lamaism because the 14th Dalai Lama and his followers have been hiding and whitewashing the facts.
Moreover, so-called "humanistic values" did not exist in the history of Old Tibet under the rule of the Dalai Lama.
Before the middle of the 20th century, Lamaist rule had integrated the church and state and enforced penalties and slavery not very different from the inquisition conducted by the Roman Catholic Church in the Middle Ages, the article quoted the two German scholars as saying.
Pour encourager le d¨¦veloppement des relations entre le Qu¨¦bec et la Chine
About Tour Operator Tony
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click here and wait for the photos to appear
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China Hiking Adventure Inc. licensed under the Ontario Government Travel Agency Act TICO for your financial protection. Our TICO registration number is 50015540. To check us out you can phone TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) at 905-624-6241. This is the travel industry regulating body which maintains a bonding insurance to protect consumers' funds.
Modern Tibetan Woman Artists Work on display
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Tibet Hiking is ECO Friendly Tour
yaks carrying Natural Gas Tank for our fuel
We go to Tibet to achieve the following :
1. Learn Tibetan culture and Buddhism
Worship at home.
Worship in Monastery.
2. Hiking in stunning beauty of Tibetan landscape, with the nomads
Camping with nomads.
Yaks carry our luggage during hiking.
3. Study the "way of life" of the Tibetan
About Tibetan culture
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About Tibetan Buddhism
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If someone tells
you never go to visit Tibet,
it is because they never want you to know the truth :
The Real Tibet of Today !
They are afraid that you find out the
Truth.
How Difficult is the Hiking part ?
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You hike at your own pace,
at a distance of 10 to 15 Km each day,
depending on terrain and/or weather.
Most of us with good condition can complete the journey.
This is a Level 3 Hiking Tour.
Level 3 due to high Altitude, not difficulty in hiking.
There is no steep climbing but general ascend.
For sure, we will provide you in this Hiking Tour :
This website is divided into five sections.
Overview gives a general description of the aims and scope of this tour.
Itinerary provides a detailed look at the daily activities.
References allows others who have taken this tour to talk about their experiences.
Details talks about what's included in the tour, as well as the costs.
Registration will bring you to the China Hiking Adventures Inc. Online Registration System Page for secure registration.
For Cancellation Policy and Insurance
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Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo and Princess WenCheng
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For you to have a second opinion Link to: Travel With A Challenge click here
You should read this before Registration
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In The Name of Progress
Old and New traditions in this photo
Old : plough powered by two yaks
New : plough powered by machine
On March 15 to 25, 2002 Tony hiked
the trail from GanDan to SamYe
to prepare for June Hiking Tour
Photos from
Tony's March 2002 Pre-Hike tour
(click for photos)
Tibet is changing rapidly everyday
" In the Name of Progress "
Come to see old Tibet before it is gone !
In June 2002 our Group hiked
from GanDan to SamYe Monastery
Photos from
hikers in the past
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Better Your Health, join QiGong Study Tour
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Temperature in Lhasa | ||||||||||||
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Month |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
|
The Highest [oC] |
6.8 |
9.2 |
12 |
13.7 |
19.7 |
22.5 |
21.7 |
20.7 |
19.6 |
16.4 |
11.6 |
7.7 |
|
The Lowest [oC] |
-10.2 |
-6.9 |
-3.2 |
0.9 |
5.1 |
9.2 |
9.9 |
9.4 |
7.6 |
1.4 |
-5 |
-9.1 |
Come ! Join us to meet Modern Tibetan Women
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NPC delegates: Tibet sees fast development in past 5 years
2008-03-07 15:21:00
Qiangba Puncog, a delegate from Tibet Autonomous Region, photo from Xinhua on March 6.
In the past 5 years, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) has developed rapidly, according to Qiangba Puncog and Xiao Hong, delegates for the National People's Congress(NPC).
The average annual economy growth rate in the region reached 12.7 percent and the rural people's per capita net income has steadily risen, said Qiangba Puncog.
"In the Lhoba Nationality Town of TAR's Mainling County, the local people's per capita net income has doubled that of the previous 5 years and 90 percent of them have enjoyed beautiful new homes and the enrollment rate of school age children is at 100 percent," said Xiao Hong, a delegate from TAR's Lhoba nationality with the smallest population among China's 56 nationalities.
http://eng.tibet.cn/index/news/200803/t20080307_369636.htm
Golden era for Tibet's leapfrog development
2008-02-14 16:39:00
Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) has stepped into a golden era for its leapfrog development, according to Qiangba Puncog, Chairman of TAR, on February 13.
"In 2007, the gross domestic product in TAR has hit 34.2 billion yuan and the gross domestic product per capita exceeded 12,000 yuan, doubling that of 2002," said Qiangba Puncog, "Consumption being an important force in promoting economic growth, coordination between investment and consumption has boosted TAR's economy and the average annual growth rate has reached 12.7 percent in the past 5 years."
(1 USD equals about 7.19 yuan.)
http://eng.tibet.cn/news/today/200802/t20080214_368113.htm
Official: Tibet an inseparable part of China since ancient times
2008-03-07 09:14:00
Tibet is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory since ancient times, said Qiangba Puncog, chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region, on March 6 in Beijing.
"The overseas sayings of 'Tibet independence' are groundless nonsense and secessionist activities are doomed to fail," said Qiangba Puncog, a deputy to the 11th National People's Congress, the top legislature.
In regard to western criticism on human rights in Tibet, he expressed his invitation to the critics. "Seeing is believing. They should go to Tibet themselves to feel the improvements."
"They will reach a right conclusion then if they respect facts," said the chairman.
Accounting for one eighth of China's territory, the southwestern autonomous region saw its gross domestic product (GDP) topping 34 billion yuan (about 4.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2007.
The per capita GDP, more than 12,000 yuan (1,690 U.S. dollars),almost doubled the figure in 2002.
http://eng.tibet.cn/index/news/200803/t20080307_369531.htm
Tibet moves to avoid growth mistakes
UPDATED: 11:10, April 11, 2007
A 9.2-billion yuan ($1.2 billion) effort to prevent and control pollution in valley areas along the Yarlung Zangbo River and its four tributaries is underway in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The autonomous region's government launched the decade-long project as a precautionary measure to prevent Tibet from repeating the mistakes that other parts of the country have made in pursuing economic development, particularly waiting to deal with pollution until after the damage to the environment has already been done.
The central government and local enterprises will shoulder the project's 9.2 billion yuan cost.
The valley area along the Yarlung Zangbo River and its tributaries the Nyangchu, Lhasa, Yarlung and Nyang rivers covers more than 300,000 square kilometers.
The project involves four prefectures and 32 counties, including Lhasa, Xigaze, Shannan and Nyingchi, all of which play important roles in Tibet's economic and social development.
Experts have already defined how much pollution the local ecosystem can bear, People's Daily reported recently.
Based on those calculations, the experts worked out an emission control plan for pollutants.
They also set emissions standards for water and atmospheric pollution and created a pollution index for each city and county.
They have also drawn up detailed plans to prevent and treat water, air, noise and solid waste pollution, and have listed key projects to pursue.
One short-term goal is that by 2010, 60 percent of the region's domestic sewage, 90 percent of its industrial sewage and 85 percent of the industrial waste gas and domestic waste in key towns is to be treated so that it meets safe emissions requirements.
Controling emissions and guaranteeing safe drinking water are two of the project's guiding principles.
The valley in question is home to abundant mineral and biological resources as well as solar and hydro energy. Agriculture and livestock breeding are major sources of income for local people.
However, the valley has also experienced rapid urbanization in recent years, and problems associated with pollution have begun to emerge, People's Daily reported.
The project's goal is to make sure local people have safe water, safe food and clean air.
Tibet's environment has been a source of concern for many people.
The topic is listed as a priority part of the central government's environment protection efforts.
During the 10th Five-Year Plan (2000-05), the government has invested 230 million yuan ($29 million) and set up 38 nature reserves covering 407,700 square kilometers in Tibet, Tibet Daily reported.
The government also spent 362 million yuan ($47 million) on a project aimed at protecting forests on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and 67 million yuan ($8.66 million) treating industrial pollution.
Source: China Daily
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200704/11/eng20070411_365435.html
Tibetan official: slim hope for Dalai to return
www.chinaview.cn 2007-03-08 16:42:25
Special Report: NPC, CPPCC Annual Sessions 2007
BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- There is little hope for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet if he doesn't completely give up his separatist attempts, a Tibetan official said here on Thursday.
"If the Dalai Lama doesn't completely give up his pursuit of 'Tibet independence', the hope for him to return is slim," said Qiangba Puncog, chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, on the sidelines of the ongoing annual full session of the Tenth National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.
The Dalai Lama fled China after a failed rebellion in 1959. Qiangba Puncog said the Dalai Lama has done nothing good to Tibet in the past 48 years, though the central government has treated him with utmost tolerance and kindness.
He said that the central government had never closed the door of communication with the Dalai Lama.
But "we will never recognize the so-called 'government-in-exile' of the Dalai Lama, and will never have dealings with it," said Qiangba Puncog at a panel discussion of lawmakers from Tibet open to media coverage.
The Tibetan official said that the attitude of the central government toward the Dalai Lama is "clear-cut".
"He (the Dalai Lama) must completely give up his pursuit of 'Tibet independence'. He must recognize that Tibet is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory since the ancient times. And he must also recognize that Taiwan is a part of China," he said.
"What matters most is that he must truly give up the 'Tibet independence' activities," the official said.
Commenting on the Dalai Lama's recent proclamation that he would give up his pursuit of "Tibet independence" in exchange for a "high degree of autonomy" in a so-called "Greater Tibet", Qiangba Puncog said that the Dalai Lama actually "harbored ulterior motives".
"He (the Dalai Lama) aims at influencing international public opinion, winning the sympathy of some people with little knowledge about the Chinese history and the true situation in Tibet, and internationalizing the so-called 'Tibet issue'," the official elaborated.
In the mean time, China sets no restrictions on Tibetan compatriots in India who want to come back, said Raidi, vice chairman of the NPC standing committee.
"Some of them are willing to come back home and some are not. Those who would like to pay a visit to Tibet or come back home to visit their families have freedom to travel, and we also allow them to live in Tibet if they want," said Raidi.
***Raidi, native Tibetan, is top official in China Government as Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.***
***Qiangba Puncog, native Tibetan, is Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, top official in Tibet.***
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/08/content_5819237.htm
To clarify: Dalai Lama and his so called "Tibetan independence"
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Tibet sees record high per capita GDP in 2005
www.chinaview.cn 2006-01-13 19:23:55
LHASA, Jan. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region saw a record high per capita GDP of 1,000 US dollars in 2005, said Qiangba Puncog, chairman of the autonomous regional government, on Friday.
Thanks to infrastructural development and industrial restructuring, the region registered a GDP growth rate of over 12 percent for the fifth straight year in 2005, said the chairman.
With a regional GDP of 25.04 billion yuan (about 3 billion U.S.dollars) for the previous year, Tibet's economy has been in a period of fast growth in the past five years, according to Qiangba.
The tertiary industry contributed the lion's share in the regional GDP growth with an added value of 14.25 billion yuan (about 1.75 billion US dollars), up by 14.2 percent over the previous year.
The tourism sector witnessed a strong momentum with an income totaling 1.93 billion yuan (some 240 million US dollars), and the retailing sector reported a 13-percent increase in sales volume.
The per capita income of local farmers and herdsmen topped 2,000 yuan (about 250 U.S. dollars) last year, posing double-digit growth for the third straight year.
In the meantime, the per capita disposable income of urban residents soared to reach 8,411 yuan (about 1038 US dollars) in 2005, up by 2.6% over the previous year. Enditem
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-01/13/content_4049272.htm
Traditional Tibetan culture carried forward
UPDATED: 17:40, October 26, 2005
Located in Kangding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province, Tibetan Language School of Sichuan province was set up in 1980 and it is China's first bilingual second-level specialized school where Tibetan language is given priority and classes are mainly taught in Tibetan language. Meanwhile, it is also a school where students can receive systematic education on Tibetan culture. The school enrolls students from all Tibetan region, with an aim of carrying forward the excellent Tibetan culture.
Since created by Tibetan linguistic expert Tunmi Sangbuzha in the seventh century AD, the Tibetan language has played an immense role in promoting Tibetan culture and social progress. In the course of Tibetan cultural development, Tibetan architectural arts, plastic arts such as sculpture, painting, decoration and industrial arts as well as music, dance, drama, Tibetan medicine and astronomical almanac have reached relatively high level and realized splendid achievements.
A Tibetan girl with the Tibetan Language School of Sichuan province does dancing exercises during a break on Oct. 24, 2005. Unlike the students in other parts of China, students with the Tibetan Language School of Sichuan province take exercises by doing traditional Tibetan dances.
Students of Tibetan nationality with the Tibetan Language School of Sichuan province study computer in Tibetan.
A student of Tibetan nationality with the Tibetan Language School of Sichuan province writes on the blackboard in Tibetan language.
Teacher Dasaer of Tibetan nationality with the Tibetan Language School of Sichuan province teaches a student traditional painting, Tangka.
A student (C) majoring Tibetan medicine at the Tibetan Language School of Sichuan Province takes care of an old patient.
A student of Tibetan nationality at the
Tibetan Language School of Sichuan province expresses his gratitude
to teachers in Tibetan language.
http://english.people.com.cn/200510/26/eng20051026_217018.html
Relief goods from China arrives in US
2005-09/08
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, the United States, Sept. 7 (Xinhuanet)-- A total of 104 tons of relief aid from China arrived Wednesday afternoon at the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, the United States, on board a Boeing 747 airplane.
The relief materials provided by China include tents, light power generators, bed sheets and clothes.
The US side extended warm welcome to the arrival of the aid. "Welcome our People's Republic of China friends" and "Thanks for your support" were written in electric bulletins around the air base.
Commander for Little Rock Air Force Base, General Joseph Reheiser, greeted at a civil airport in Little Rock China's Consul General at Houston Hu Yeshun, who arrived here to receive the cargo plane.
Reheiser told Xinhua, "It (the airlift)'s quite unusual. I'm not a historian, but I can't think of a time when China has airlifted relief supply to the United States. I think it's a historic event and we're very appreciative that China has done it."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency would arrange cargo trucks and see to it that the relief materials be sent to the stricken areas, he added.
Hu said the airlift showed deep sympathy and condolences of the Chinese Government and people to the American people who have suffered a severe natural disaster.
General Reheiser had expressed the hope for increased exchanges between the armed forces of China and the United States, apart from the efforts to boost the governmental and non-governmental exchanges between the two countries, said Hu.
According to General Reheiser, Little Rock Air Force Base has been the sole distributing center for international relief materials for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which ripped through the southeastern part of the United States on Aug. 29 and inflicted heavy casualties and damages.
So far,the base has received 14 air
cargos loaded with relief materials from Russia, Spain, France,
Italy, Britain and other countries, said General Reheiser, adding
that another 13 dispatches of relief aid are expected to pour in in
the next two days. Enditem
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-09/08/content_3460897.htm
Chinese minister calls for enhanced Sino-US
cultural exchanges
UPDATED: 10:43, October 04,
2005
China and the United States should enhance cultural exchanges to promote the heart-to-heart communication between the peoples of both countries, Chinese Culture Minister Sun Jiazheng said on Monday in Washington.
In a keynote speech at the National Press Club in downtown Washington, Sun said there are many differences between China and the Untied States which will undoubtedly bring about some confrontations and friction, but it is these differences that have produced great curiosity and mutual appeal between the two countries.
"Without such differences, the world might become more tranquil, but at the same time, to a large extent, it would lose its glories and fall into monotony," he said.
Sun was in Washington to inaugurate the month-long Festival of China at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, which opened on Saturday.
He said China and the United Sates share common interests in many areas, such as economy, trade, anti-terrorism, international and regional security, and culture. "The two countries can learn from each other in many areas," he noted.
The development of Sino-US cultural relations, he said, is still not in perfect balance, and the American public's understanding of China and Chinese culture still has room for improvement.
China imported a large quantity of TV plays and movies in 2004, with 40-50 percent of them from the United States, whereas China's export of cultural products to the United States was insignificant, the minister said.
Sun cautioned that there are some people who tend to exaggerate the differences and friction between the two countries and the two cultures, while overlooking their common interests and compatibility.
"It is natural and not surprising for any two nations to have differences or conflicts, but what matters most is that we should solve these conflicts and problems on the principle of candidness, sincerity, reciprocity, mutual respect and equal consultations," he said.
At home, the Chinese government pledges to build a harmonious society, securing peace, tranquility and the well-being and happiness for all the Chinese people, while in the world, China sticks to the peaceful foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, seeking friendly relations with all other countries in their common pursuit for peace, cooperation and common development, he said.
Sun noted that China stands for the independence of all nations' cultures and also the diversity of world cultures, advocates the concepts of "cherishing peace and harmony, preserving solidarity in diversity and pursuing common development."
China will integrate itself into the world with more open gestures and further expand international culture exchanges, he pledged.
Cultural exchanges will not only bring enormous economic benefits, but also immense social benefits. Cultural exchanges can reach deep into people's minds with a lasting and profound effect, he said.
China and the Untied States should enhance communication and find the differences and similarities between the two cultures, and embrace the connections and concord of the two cultures in all their diversity, he said.
Sun called for open minds and open hearts in the exchanges between China and the United States.
Citing Martin Luther King's famous speech "I Have a Dream," Sun said people today share King's dream "that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight."
"We firmly believe that art and culture, as the greatest vehicle for human emotions, can best express our dreams," he said.
Source: Xinhua
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200510/04/eng20051004_212426.html
Commentary: Dalai Lama's "autonomy" claim hypocritical
Perhaps no one could have a better understanding of this Buddhism
teaching than the Dalai Lama:"The sea of bitterness has no bounds;
repent, and the shore is at hand."
The monk, who preaches around the world his "art of happiness," however, has shown little living wisdom when he strains all his nerves peddling his idea of the "autonomy" of Tibet in spite of the fact that an autonomous mechanism has existed on the snowy land for 40 years.
On Sept. 1, 1965, the People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region, the local legislature and watchdog of the government, opened its first session, marking a new page in Tibetan history: serfs and slaves once oppressed by the hierachical regime became free, with their representatives sitting on the local legislature.
Ridiculously, however, decades after the autonomous region was established, the Dalai Lama, who started a riot with his followers in 1959 in fear of losing his supreme power and then fled, was one day struck by an idea of "autonomy."
But the monk is only playing with words by labeling his version of "autonomy" with a modifier "greater," said Basang Wangdui, a researcher with the regional academy of social sciences.
The Dalai Lama's profession of giving up the "Tibet independence" claim is regarded by his western patrons as an olive branch presented to the Chinese government, but this seeming abandonment is so far only a verbal service.
The monk takes every chance to defame the governance in Tibet whenever he is offered a platform of speech by his backers, alleging that he seeks "greater autonomy" in Tibet to save the traditional culture and promote democracy and freedom there.
A person who is pure-hearted in seeking compromise certainly will not sling mud on the other part, while an attempt to win international interference on an internal affair is an obvious denial of the framework that Tibet is part of China.
So, if the Dalai Lama had an olive branch in hand, he must be delivering it to the wrong place.
The Dalai Lama's idea of "Greater Tibet," as part of his "greater autonomy" line, is historically groundless, said Basang Wangdui.
Tibetan habitats in Sichuan, Gansu, Yunnan and Qinghai provinces had never been under a same local regime since the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), when Tibet was included into the Chinese territory, the researcher said.
A former ruler of a heriarchial regime, the Dalai Lama is not at all qualified to make any remarks on a democratic structure. He must face the fact that Tibet, under the current autonomous mechanism, has witnessed changes which would be impossible under his rule.
Behind all of the Dalai Lama's greater claims lies insatiable greed. By asking for a sky-high price, the Dalai Lama has put his sincerity under doubt.
It might not be respectful to doubt the wisdom of "His Holiness" for not waking up to reality, but we have to wonder what on earth the Dalai Lama wants for the claim of "greater autonomy."
If what he wants is to separate Tibet from the Chinese territory, he will never feel, or be, satisfied.
Source: Xinhua
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200509/02/eng20050902_205934.html
Central govt invests to fight poverty in Tibet
www.chinaview.cn 2005-02-27 19:27:28
LHASA, Feb. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- China's central government invested 204 million yuan (24.58 million US dollars) in Tibet to fight poverty last year, according to the Aid-the-Poor and Development Office in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
The investment was up six percent from 2003 and has been spent on about 200 projects, including infrastructure construction, agricultural irrigation and vocational training, according to the office.
The number of Tibetans earning less than 1,300 yuan (157 US dollars) of net income each year has been reduced to 860,000 in 2004 from 1.07 million in 2003, according to the regional statistics bureau. Enditem
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/27/content_2625650.htm
Medical
service welfare umbrella to cover more Tibetans
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Tibetan farmers and herders will have their hospital expenses partly covered by the government this year, even if they do not join a medical cooperative.
This is a new policy adopted in the Tibet Autonomous Region, said Wang Jianpeng, an official with the regional health department.
Over 80 percent of Tibetan farmers and herders have joined the medical service cooperation, a system which partly pays medical expenses. In the autonomous region, a farmer can join for 10 yuan (1.2 USdollars) each year.
The central and local governments will share another 30 yuan for his yearly membership.
Medical service expenses of a cooperative member will be reimbursed by the cooperation pro rata and a member can get a maximum of 3,000 yuan (360 US dollars) every year. But those who do not join in the system have to shoulder the burden themselves when they are hospitalized.
The new policy, however, provides non-members a chance to have their expenses shared by government, Wang said.
"But cooperation members can have larger part of their expensescovered by the system," Wang said. "They can enjoy a 20 percent higher reimbursement proportion and for those who suffer serious diseases and are unable to afford a large sum of hospital expenses,the cooperation will give them further reimbursement." Source: Xinhua
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200401/27/eng20040127_133328.shtml
China Improves Tibetan Life & Livelihood
In recent years, the central government--together with the local governments of various provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities--has invested huge sums of money in improving the quality of life and work for residents of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
A power grid project that started in 2002 with an estimated investment of nearly 600 million yuan (US$72.3 million) has brought electricity to 400,000 people in 25 counties and four prefectures around Lhasa City.
Last year Tibet earmarked more than 900 million yuan (US$108.4 million) for rural road construction. It also had 2,998 kilometers of rural highways built or upgraded and 101 large and medium-sized bridges constructed. Now highways extend to 92 percent of the towns and townships and to 70 percent of the villages in the region.
A five-year pasture conservation and herder settlement program has led to the construction of more than 110,400 square meters of permanent housing for 8,000 herders from 19 frigid zones in the region. Another 820,080 square meters of livestock sheds and 11,000 square meters of grass storage area have been erected.
Phase One of a 560-million-yuan (US$67.5 million) drinking water project has brought clean water to 330,000 people and 3.9 million head of livestock in 1,870 Tibetan villages. The ongoing second phase will provide reliable drinking water supplies to 270,000 people and 3.1 million head of livestock in another 1,336 villages.
At the end of 2003, the upgrading of downtown Lhasa's road and drainage network was completed at a cost of 169 million yuan (US$20.4 million). The project involved working around a square kilometer of ancient structures in the Tibetan capital, with Jokhan Temple at the center.
The upgrade included paving the roads with granite blocks, putting up parking lots and constructing public toilets. Sewage and rubbish treatment stations have been built and attractive streetlights installed around the temple and nearby scenic spots.
The regional radio and television bureau reports that radio broadcasts reach 82.7 percent of the total population in Tibet, while TV coverage has reached 81.3 percent.
In 2003, the region invested 47.0 million yuan (US$5.7 million) in creating jobs for urban residents. With this support, 8,829 Tibetan people, including more than 5,000 who had been laid off, have found jobs.
Local telecom officials said that on the 1.2 million square kilometer Tibetan Plateau there are now 61 optical fiber cables for county-level use and more than 400 satellite phone stations. Telecommunication service coverage has risen above 90 percent and about 85 percent of all the villages in Tibet enjoy phone services.
(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2004)
http://www.china.com.cn/english/2004/May/94788.htm
From Pat Camenzend
In October 2000 I joined a tour group to hike China's Great Wall from Beijing to the China Sea. The tour was an absolutely fantastic two weeks spent with five other single women, the tour coordinator, and a local Chinese guide.
Before I describe the highlights of the trip, I need to explain my background. I am not a hiker by profession or hobby. I walk! And I do not walk in the mountains or any major hills, if they can be avoided. I am in my mid-fifties and not as slim as I was in my twenties. Now, with that said, I decided to join this hiking tour because it sounded exciting and adventurous with an opportunity to see more of the 'real' China outside the normal major tourist stops generally found in tours.
I did my homework before leaving for the trip and studied travel books, visited internet sites on China, and talked to others who had been to the country. Even with this preparation, I was not ready for the truly awesome sight of the Great Wall when I saw it for the first time in person. With photographs showing only two dimensions, it is hard to appreciate the immense size of the wall as it snakes over and around the mountain peaks. Although the steps are steep (and there are many), the hiking is done at your own pace. There are no marathons to win and the time allocated to the actual hiking is sufficient to enjoy the sights and to stop and take pictures...
The tour is well coordinated and offers the chance to see ten different aspects of the wall. The first stop is a day's trip outside of Beijing. Because of the wall's proximity to the city, it is the section most visited by tourists and, therefore, the most crowded. Since it has been restored by China to accommodate the millions of visitors every year, it gives a perspective of the wall as it originally looked. As we traveled East following the wall as it winds its way toward the China Sea, we saw a mixture of restored sections as well as portions still in ruins. And the crowds thinned so, at times, we were the only ones walking. It was great hiking the wall without the jostling of a crowd.
One great opportunity on this trip was to walk on a section generally submerged under water. A lack of rain in the area lowered the reservoir 20 meters exposing the wall. While this provided us a once in a lifetime chance to see this section, the country is desperate for rain.
The food was another pleasant surprise. Course, I am not sure what I expected, but I certainly was not prepared for three banquets a day. The food was excellent. The menus were varied, artfully served, and simply delicious. The group chose to continue to Chinese experience by having Chinese breakfast rather than a Western menu. And I even learned to use chopsticks proficiently.
Accommodations were agreeable as many of the hotels were rated three star. One fun place was a restored military garrison that was located at one of the entrances to the wall. This gave us the opportunity to see how the army guarding the wall actually lived.
In between our hiking jaunts on the wall, we visited some Imperial tombs, toured a Summer palace, walked through villages, viewed some Buddha temples, saw the Forbidden City, and shopped at local markets. I especially enjoyed the experience of watching two Chinese artists demonstrate their skills with watercolors and a pair of scissors. They each produced beautiful images.
The tour was very well planned and diverse in its offerings. The local guide was excellent. From him we learned much about the Chinese culture. He was patient, considerate, and knowledgeable. The country is very clean and the people gracious.
I would not hesitate to recommend this tour. The hiking can be exhausting, but well worth the effort. I did learn a lot about the Chinese culture and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the countryside. I am ready to return to China to learn and see more of this vast country.
The above was written by a participant in the Great Wall Hiking Tour. For more information about our tours, please browse our website or e-mail us at e-mail info@china-hiking.com.
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My Inspirational 'High'? Hiking The Great Wall
By C. Brown
On Wednesday, October 29, 1999 our hiking began in the morning at a section of the Great Wall in Jiumenkou near the city of Qin Huang Dao and in Shuizhong County. It was a bright sunny morning and after an hour or so of hiking the Great Wall I wandered off with our guide Li to investigate a small and what appeared to be interesting Buddhist temple.
After walking through the main entrance we realized we had come during their prayer hour. It was a special holiday, which is celebrated to mark the time when their Buddha, the Goddess of Great Mercy, became a follower of Buddhism. I became very taken with their repetitive chanting that sounded something like: "O Mi Tuo Fo."
We attempted to fade into the background of this impressive temple while totally taken by a tremendous Buddhist figure in the center of the room. However within minutes of our arrival, we were approached by one of the Nuns, the Mistress of the Temple. Shi Rong Ci spoke in Chinese to Li asking us to partake in their special ceremony. She felt it was a very lucky occasion for me to appear that day and that the Goddess would bless me.
I lit some incense, representing fortune and happiness. Shi Rong Ci suggested I bow down to pray to the Buddha while she stroked a large gong placed in her lap. Taking heed to her rhythm, I soon found myself rising and falling to her 'up' and 'down' commands. At the worship close I was asked if I would sign their signature book and in return felt it appropriate to offer them a small donation. They all thanked me profusely and it was not until we were leaving that I realized my 10 yuan donation amounted to a little more than $1.00.
I suggested through Li's good guidance and interpreting that we ask to take a group picture! Shi Rong Ci was most receptive and excited at our suggestion and excused herself to change into her special Buddhist robe. As you can see we not only took group pictures but at Shi Rong Ci's suggestion Li took separate poses of Shi Rong Ci and me together!
We all hugged and kissed and with mixed smiles and tears bid each other goodbye.
As we were walking out of the gate the nuns asked me for my business card. In return, they handed me praying beads telling me they would bring me on-going good luck!
Hospital-on-wheels enters 72 counties of Tibet
UPDATED: 15:20, August 04, 2004
Hospital-on-wheels enters 72 counties of Tibet
At a handover ceremony held in the Potala Palace on August 2, health workers from 72 counties of Tibet received 72 mobile clinics given by the central government. These vehicles, with a total value of 1,656 million yuan (about 200.24 million US dollars) will soon be put into use.
These vehicles are of good performance and suitable for plateau. They are equipped with respirator, ECG, portable type-B ultrasonic machine and hospital bed, within which doctors could diagnose common diseases and conduct minor operations.
Tibet is the area to receive the biggest number of mobile clinics from the central government compared with other areas of relatively backward economy, a local health official said. These mobile clinics are expected to help improve the overall health level of Tibetan farmers and herdsmen, especially those in remote and poverty regions through regular health-care trips, and help to prevent local and infectious diseases as well as spread hygiene knowledge among local people.
The local health department will set up standards and strengthen supervision to ensure that these vehicles are used properly and continuously.
The state has in recent years put in huge fund to improve hygiene facilities in Tibet, said Cui Yuying, vice-chairman of the autonomous region. Currently Tibet possesses 1,305 medicinal institutions of various kinds, 6,216 hospital beds and 8,287 health workers, which can basically meet the medicinal needs of the local public. Compared with half a century ago, Tibet has seen sharp decline of its maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate, as well as occurrence of all kinds of infectious diseases. The average life expectancy of Tibetans has been raised from 35.5 to 67.
By People's Daily Online
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200408/04/eng20040804_151836.html
Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo and Princess WenCheng
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