Overview
Tibet (Xizang) is an autonomous region on the Tibetan Plateau, the "Roof of the World," sacred in Tibetan Buddhism and home to the Potala Palace.
Aut. Region
Tibet
西藏自治区 · Capital: 拉萨
Map & Prefectures
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Prefecture-level cities
Read articles about Tibet →About Tibet
Geography
The highest region on Earth, averaging over 4,500 m, Tibet holds Mount Everest's north face, the sources of great Asian rivers, and vast grasslands and salt lakes.
History
The heartland of the Tibetan civilization and the Gelug school of Buddhism, Tibet was unified under the Yarlung dynasty and later became an autonomous region of China in 1965.
Culture
Tibetan culture revolves around Buddhism, prayer flags, thangka painting, and the epic of King Gesar; the Potala and Jokhang temples are spiritual centers.
Cuisine
The diet suits the high plateau: tsampa (roasted barley flour), yak meat, butter tea and dried cheese sustain life at altitude.
Highlights
Highlights: the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the sacred Yamdrok Lake, and the Everest Base Camp.