Jong-Dae Ha, chief correspondent of the Beijing Office, the Dong-A llbo of South Korea (Source: People's Daily)

"In mid-September 2006, I flew from Beijing to Xining and then took a train to Lhasa, Tibet. This was an unforgettable trip that I had dreamed of for so long."

"While covering news in Tibet, I visited the Jokhang Temple, toured Namtso Lake and was a guest in the homes of herdsmen. The lives of the Tibetan people, especially those of herdsmen, are no different than the living standards of the people in China's northwestern region. Everyone is living a very good life. Everywhere I went, I was left with a deep impression."

"Lhasa has already been built into a modern city. The grand and majestic Potala Palace looked brand-new after repairs. Many new houses have also been erected for the Tibetans in other regions in Tibet. I felt that Tibet has a stable society and the Han people and the Tibetans are living together harmoniously. Earth-shaking changes have taken place in Tibet over the past 50 years. Enjoying freedom of religious belief, the Tibetan people still preserve their religion and traditions.

The scenes in Tibet are beautiful: the blue sky, clear water and unique natural landscape are all so intriguingly impressive. One of my great hopes is to visit Tibet again."

(People's Daily March 23, 2009)