Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, will be built into an international tourist city highlighting its unique plateau and ethnic characteristics.

A visitor poses for photos at the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 21, 2009. Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, will be built into an international tourist city highlighting its unique plateau and ethnic characteristics. [Xinhua Photo]

According to the Overall Plan for Lhasa (2009-2020) approved by the State Council, it will become a cosmopolitan with the theme of "Holy Snow land, Bright Pearl on the Plateau."

Details of the plan show the holy city will be a tourist center of the Tibet Autonomous Region; a featured tourist site on the two state-level elite traveling routes -- the Ancient Tea Route and Tang-Tubo Route; a major port of South Asia; and an international tourist city with unique plateau and ethnic characteristics.

To attract more visiors, the city has enhanced cooperation with neighboring provinces or region as well as travel agencies in South Asia.

To improve the comprehensive service facilities, the Lhasa government has decided to build two tourist distribution centers near the Lhasa railway station and the Potala Place.

Moreover, while preserving historically featured streets like the Barkor Street, comprehensive services facilities including restaurants, hotels, rest facilities and shopping centers will also be greatly enhanced.

At the same time, Lhasa will also take measures to improve transportation. Special tourist bus routes will be opened and large-scale parking lots be built near major tourist sites and tourist distribution centers.

According to the plan, by 2020, Lhasa will be able to receive 12 million tourists a year, with tourism revenue totalling 30 billion yuan.