The real and modern Tibet

Internet and cellphone use are common even among the monks and nuns in Tibet. The modern facilities, sound public services and cultural diversity have made Lhasa one of "the happiest cities" in China five years in a row in media surveys.

Last but not least, as a global natural and cultural heritage, Tibet has always been explained by various parties around the world. Tibet created a splendid civilization. Yet, in recent history, the geographically secluded region drifted farther from the modern world.

The outside world's understanding of Tibet has experienced different phases. Some adventurers and missionaries gave some vivid first-person accounts of the feudal serf society in Tibet. In his book Lost Horizon published in 1933, the English novelist James Hilton compared Tibet to a heavenly place, Shangri-la. However, the spiritual utopia that many regard Tibet to be is a far cry from what Tibet really is.

Tibet has been fast catching up with the development trend of a modern world through painful efforts in the past several decades, and has walked on a development path fitting the local conditions.

Tibet's development in the future needs to be sustainable and seek a balance between humans and nature. The people should be able to enjoy better lives and a good environment at the same time.

The good ecology and environment in Tibet, if well protected, can serve as an effective ecological barrier for China, and can also contribute to the world at large.

One important aspect of Tibet's sustainable development is the protection and development of Tibetan culture.

The freedom of normal religious belief and activities is protected by laws. So is the learning and using of Tibetan language.

The harmonious co-existence of Tibetan Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism and other religions in Tibet lays a solid foundation for peaceful co-existence of 40 ethnic groups in their joint pursuit of better material and spiritual lives.

A number of intangible cultural heritages have been included on the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

A globalized market, the advancement of information and transportation technologies and China's fast development have all linked Tibet more closely with the rest of the world than ever before.

Tibet will further open up for international cooperation and exchanges while pursuing its sustainable development. The world will find more opportunities for collaboration in a prosperous Tibet.

The author is deputy director of the State Council Information Office. This is an excerpt of her speech at the opening ceremony of 2014 Forum on the Development of Tibet on Tuesday morning in Lhasa.