bonnie tsui


August, 2002
If You Build It, They Will Come

In its continuing efforts to develop the Himalayan region, China began constructing a rail link between Tibet and Golmud (a city in western China's remote Qinghai province) last summer, and unveiled a 37-story "tourist tower" in April in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. The building, whose Chinese name translates as "pearl in snow-clad region," has a revolving restaurant on top where sightseers can take in a meal and the view. Other recently completed projects include a monument to the People's Liberation Army in front of the Potala Palace, once the home of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

Xinhua, the state news agency, reported that 670,000 tourists visited Tibet in 2001, up 16.5 percent from the previous year. But supporters of Tibetan independence say the rush to develop is endangering indigenous culture. Critics are afraid that the controversial rail link is Beijing's attempt to dilute the ethnic Tibetan population by encouraging Han Chinese to relocate there. "Construction of more roads, airports, and the new railway line will ensure that Tibetan resources...go to China and Beijing," said Kalon Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister of the exiled government. Though the $2.5 billion path to the "rooftop of the world" is scheduled to be completed by 2007, work has been delayed by frozen ground, earthquakes, landslides, and a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. No one can say when the rail link will be finished, but one thing is certain, according to Dho Kho, owner of Shigatse Travels in Lhasa: "It will change life for everyone."


in this publication

November 2006
Canton Revisited

July, 2005
My Chinatown

December, 2004
Where to Go for the Holidays 2004

November, 2004
Tasmania Bound

December, 2003
Paradise Island

January, 2003
Channel Islands, California

August, 2002
If You Build It, They Will Come

July, 2002
T+L File: Vancouver

June, 2002
Housing Shortage of Olympic Proportions