City Introduction of Tibet, China: Lhasa

Lhasa

Major Economic Indicators (2007)

Source: Lhasa Economic and Social Development Report 2007

Introduction

Lhasa, the capital city of China's Tibet Autonomous Region, is also the center of Tibet’s politics, economy and culture.

The city is located in the middle of southern Tibet with an altitude of 3,650 meters. It is one of the highest cities in the world. Lhasa does not have extremely frigid winters or unbearably hot summers. It enjoys 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, giving it the nickname of "sunlit city."

Lhasa is an important transportation hub in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Lhasa Gongga Airport is located in Gongga County, about 65 km south of Lhasa city. It connects Lhasa with most western Chinese cities.

Traveling by train to Lhasa is an option for visitors. With a total length of 1,956 km, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the longest plateau railway and also the highest in the world. It starts at Xining in Qinghai and ends in Lhasa. In addition, there are national highways and provincial highways running through Lhasa, spanning a total of 1002 km.

Economic Features

Lhasa is Tibet’s largest economy. In 2007, the city realized GDP of RMB 12.0 billion, up 16.7% year on year and accounting for approximately 35.1% of Tibet’s total. The city’s GDP per capita amounted to RMB 19,267 per year.   

Lhasa's secondary industry (industry & construction) realized a value added industrial output of RMB 2.6 billion, accounting for only 26% of the city's total. Major industries of the city include mining, building materials, folk handicrafts and Tibetan medicine.

In 2007, the service industry accounted for 68.6% of the city's total GDP. Tourism has been an important pillar of the industry. Lhasa attracted 2.7 million tourists, realizing tourism revenues of RMB 2.8 billion, up 55.6% year on year.

Within the same year, Lhasa’s total foreign trade reached US$376 million, up 25.5% from 2006 and accounting for 95.7% of Tibet's total. Lhasa’s main export goods include Chinese caterpillar fungus, wool, garlic, wood products and medlar, while its key import goods include excavators. Japan, Hong Kong, the United States and Russia are important trade partners of the city.

Cultural Highlights

In the Tibetan language, Lhasa means ‘Holy Land’ or ‘Buddha Land’. It has been hailed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China. Walking in Lhasa, tourists are able to experience its mysterious religious atmosphere and witness the pace of modern society.

Tibetans are the main inhabitants in Lhasa. They account for over 80% of the city's population. Most of Tibetans are devout Buddhists. They are optimistic, straightforward and brave people.

Tourist Attractions

Lhasa attracts people around the world with its unique plateau scenery and mysterious religious atmosphere. A popular tourist attraction is the Potala Palace – a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture built for Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty during her trip to Tibet. In addition, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Ramoche Monastery, Tibet Museum, Mentsekhang, Lhasa Carpet Factory and Chakpori Hill are considered must-see attractions in Lhasa.

August and September are the best months to visit Lhasa due to the cool weather during that period.

Restaurants in Lhasa serve Tibetan cuisine, Sichuan cuisine and western style dishes. Some hotel restaurants even provide Nepalese and Indian foods.

Major Development Zones

By the end of 2007, Lhasa had one state-level development zone, namely Lhasa Economic and Technological Development Zone.

State-level Development Zones in Lhasa

Source: Lhasa Municipal Government

Honors

National Model City for Double Supports (Double Supports: local government and people support the People's Liberation Army and their relatives while the People's Liberation Army advocates national policies and loves local people) (2008)

---Ministry of Civil Affairs, P. R. China