The Chinese government has begun work on a £3-billion (approximately US$4.65 billion) theme park on the outskirts of Lhasa, the capital of the troubled Tibetan Autonomous Region. Despite the huge potential economic interests that the project would bring, the construction plan might not be welcomed by local Tibetans. See Oliver Smith at The Telegraph:
In an attempt to highlight the historic ties between China and Tibet, the theme park will be dedicated to Princess Wencheng, the niece of a Tang-dynasty emperor who married a Tibetan king. Educational centres dedicated to Tibetan arts and customs have also been proposed.
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Last month it announced plans to turn Nyingchi County, a picturesque region around 200 miles southeast of Lhasa, into an international tourist destination.
But its plans are likely to be opposed by many Tibetans, who have accused the Chinese government of religious persecution and cultural assimilation in the name of economic development.
Read more about Tibet via China Digital Times, including reports of the most recent in a series of self-immolations by Tibetans protesting Beijing’s policies in the region.
