Tibetans seek to keep traditions

Life for many Tibetans has changed rapidly since tourists began flocking to the remote mountain region in Southwest China. But locals are still fighting to preserve their everyday rituals and traditions.

Tibet is one of the remotest corners of China. However, since the opening of the Qinghai-Tibetan railway, the number of tourists in the isolated region has increased considerably.

As visitors get off the train, they are first impressed by Potala Palace, that has stood in the center of Lhasa for more than 13 centuries.

Qamba Gesang, head of Potala Palace, Admin Office, said, "I lived in the old society for about 16 years. There were not so many modern buildings back then."

Qamba Gesang is referring to the three or four-floored buildings built with concrete and steel.