Tibetan

Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
  • Province:
    Tibet (Chinese: 西藏, Pinyin: Xī Zàng)
  • Population :
    2,840,000
  • Area :
    1,228,400 square km (474,300 square mile)
  • Overview:
    With an average elevation of 4,900 metres (16,000 ft), Tibet has long been a favored destination for tourists from around the world.

The Tibetans with a population of 5.4 million mostly live in the Tibet Autonomous Region. There are also Tibetan communities in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

 

The Tibetan language belongs to the Tibetan sub-branch of the Tibetan-Myanmese language branch of the Chinese-Tibetan language family. According to geographical divisions, it has three major local dialects: Weizang, Kang and Amdo.

 

The Tibetan script, an alphabetic system of writing, was created in the early 7th century. With four vowels and 30 consonants, it is used in all areas inhabited by Tibetans.

 

The Tibetan inhabited areas in China are divided into the U-Tsang, Amdo and Kamba regions.

 

U-Tsang refers to the Tibet Autonomous Region itself.

Amdo refers to the southern Gansu and Qinghai provinces.

Kamba refers to more remote areas such as Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province.

 

The U-Tsang region is famous for its strong Tibetan Buddhism influence, Amdo for its hunting culture and Kamba for its many talented people. Sichuan Province has the largest Tibetan-inhabited area other than Tibet Autonomous Region.

Potala Palace
Potala Place
With its world-wide reputation, the Potala Palace stands on the Red Hill overlooking the Tibetan city of Lhasa as a major national cultural monument
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Jokhang Monastery
Jokhang Monastery
Located in the center of the ancient city of Lhasa, the Jokhang Monastery was built in the seventh century by Songtsan Gambo, the Tang Princess Wen Cheng.
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All Tibet Attractions