China's historic reform and opening-up started on its east coast, but soon spread. The remote Tibetan Autonomous Region also began economic reform not long after.

In today's "30 in 30" special series, we take a look at the Tibetan regional authority's measures to boost the local economy in 1979, a year after the reform and opening-up policy went into effect.

Tibet, a land of snow, heritage and religion, an eternal attraction for millions of people around the world.

Harsh geographic conditions forged its unique culture, but also limited the diversity of its economy.

Much of its land is inhospitable. In areas with milder climate, herding is the major livelihood, while farming is heavily dependent on weather.