ZHANG BI YU (Taiwan) Graduate student ISAA of Lomonosov Moscow State University Keywords: Tibet Autonomous Region, Chinese tourism industry, foreign and domestic tourism, religious tourism, language barrier China's tourism industry, which originates mainly in the coastal provinces and in Beijing, is gaining momentum, covering all new regions of the country. Tourism is becoming a catalyst for the development of the economy and infrastructure of certain areas that were previously weak in economic terms. Located in southwest China, Tibet is unique in many ways. Its historical relics, iconic architecture, paintings and folk culture are widely known. The tourism resources of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) can be divided into the following four categories:: a) landscape resources of the highlands; b) historical and cultural resources; c) religious and humanitarian resources; d) folklore resources. For several centuries, Tibet was closed to foreigners. Much of the isolation was determined by the policies of both the Tibetan rulers and China. It was only in 1984 that Tibet was opened to residents of other parts of the country and foreigners. However, even now not all territories are open, and foreigners need a special permit to visit Tibet. In addition, due to the regular self-immolations of indigenous Tibetans protesting against the "occupation" of the central authorities, the Chinese government periodically imposes bans and restrictions on visiting Tibet during periods of increasing tension. For decades (TAR was founded in 1965), Beijing has tried to develop the Tibetan economy in the hope of winning the favor of the indigenous population; however, a number of steps taken in this direction are criticized in the international community. Many Tibetans have accused and still accuse the government of religious persecution and cultural assimilation, although the real cause of discontent in some cases is precisely attempts at economic development in the region. Nevertheless, ... Читать далее