Beijing-Lhasa Railway
Sep 18th, 2006, 04:26 AM
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Beijing-Lhasa Railway
I'd like to make a few comments regarding the new railway that links China to Tibet. Construction of the railway was a decision that has been imposed upon, and strongle opposed by the Tibetan people. The Chinese have fully admitted that the project is politically motivated, designed to dramatically increase the scale of han Chinese settlers into Tibet, thus further diluting the Tibetan population. In using the railway, tourists will be in effect legitmising the desires of the Chinese government to absorb Tibet into mainland China. They will be contributing to the irreversible dissolution of Tibet's distinct identity. Don't use the train, fly to Tibet and enjoy. It is a magical place.
Sep 18th, 2006, 07:50 AM
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I'm curious as to why you say fly and don't use the train. Either way as a tourist you are part of the whole process of eroding Tibet yourself. Your logic would suggest not going there at all!
I would not wish to be seen to support Chinese style neo-colonialism in Tibet but I see it as inevitable that Chinese influence is going to be greater in the future. I also think it's a bit patronising to expect countries like Tibet to be encapsulised in a time warp and not enjoy the advantages that come with development.
However I do agree that it is a special place. I imgine that places outside of Lhasa and the big cities will not be greatly changed any time soon.
http://www.travelsinasia.com/Tibet/Lhasa.htm
I would not wish to be seen to support Chinese style neo-colonialism in Tibet but I see it as inevitable that Chinese influence is going to be greater in the future. I also think it's a bit patronising to expect countries like Tibet to be encapsulised in a time warp and not enjoy the advantages that come with development.
However I do agree that it is a special place. I imgine that places outside of Lhasa and the big cities will not be greatly changed any time soon.
http://www.travelsinasia.com/Tibet/Lhasa.htm
Aug 14th, 2007, 07:41 PM
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I know this message is pretty old, but has anyone been on the train? i've heard some horror stories about people getting very sick because of the altitude. aside from all the political stuff, was the ride enjoyable? were the accomodations comfortable? thanks.
Aug 15th, 2007, 05:48 AM
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Manifest Destiny, anyone? The movement of Han settlers into Tibet is inevitable, however unfortunate it may be. The Tibetans, more than anything, need the basic necessities - things like medicines and food. Tourism can help the economy there. You can do your part to make sure your travel dollars/euros/etc get into the hands of the locals, rather than the state-run tour agencies, admission tickets, etc (The proceeds of which go back to the central government). Unless you plan to hire a Jeep driven by a Tibetan to drive you into Tibet (which is illegal anyway), not taking the train won't do a thing to hinder progress.
Nov 2nd, 2007, 06:03 PM
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Daughter just got back from Tibet and took the train to and from Lhasa out of Beijing. She enjoyed the ride very much and some of the loveliest landscape was seen as well as quite a bit of wildlife. 2 of her friends got sick during the highest parts of the train ride. There is oxygen on board and it is available during the highest parts of the journey.
It was a very long haul but she said she'd do it again.
It was a very long haul but she said she'd do it again.
