A letter from a Chinese student in Austria: What makes Tibet so charming?

The "3.14" incident in Lhasa last year is engraved in my memory. As I was the only Chinese student in my class, I was mocked by some of my class mates who were unaware of the truth. At that time, I knew little about Tibet and had no choice but to swallow my resentment rather than fight back. Since then, my dream of personally seeing and feeling Tibet became increasingly strong.

During the summer vacation this year, my dream came true. We chose the difficult journey of traveling to Tibet by train, aiming to physically adapt to the altitude gradually and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Plateau through the train window over a long period.

On August 15, we set out from Shanghai and met many people who shared our dream during the journey, including elderly people of over 70 and preschool kids. There were also tourists from New Zealand and students from the U.S. and Germany studying in China. We finally realized a long-held dream, arriving in Lhasa after a 52-hour journey and the test of the Tanghla Mountain Pass with an altitude as high as 6,000 meters.

What makes Tibet so charming?

The unique religious atmosphere fills Tibet with mystery. The Potala Palace is an ancient palace and chateau complex constructed at the highest altitude in the world and the residence of generations of Dalai Lamas. It is also the most sacred place in the hearts of the Tibetan people. The Tashilhunpo Monastery is the residence of generations of Panchen Lamas. These two places have been carefully protected and renovated, and have become not only centers to disseminate Tibetan Buddhism culture, but also two art treasure houses. Visiting them in person deepened my understanding of Tibetan religion and culture.

The beautiful scenery endowed by nature to Tibet is incomparable and amazing. The Namtso Lake, a salt lake with the highest altitude in the world, the Yamdroke Lake, which is called "jade," the Karola Glacier and the Yalu Tsangpo River all reflect the line in a poem: "This scenery exists only in heaven."

During my one-week visit to Tibet, I also discovered a power there, the power of ethnic harmony. Streets and schools named after Chinese provinces or municipalities that aided their construction can be seen everywhere in Lhasa and Shigatse. Gymnasiums and hotels constructed under the assistance of the Chinese mainland can also be found everywhere. Talented people are often reported on television and newspapers. Austrian friends traveling with us agreed that without the support and assistance of the Chinese mainland, today's prosperous Tibet would not exist.

The power of religion, nature and ethnic harmony constitute Tibet's unique charm. Tibet is a massive land and what I experienced is only the tip of the iceberg. The true Tibet I saw has enriched my mind and helped me to be confident and capable enough to face possible prejudice and challenges in the future. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, I sincerely hope our country will become increasingly dynamic and prosperous, and the Tibetan people and compatriots will achieve common prosperity and share various benefits brought about by reform, opening-up and economic development.

By People's Daily Online