Demarcating the two neighborhoods is the Potala Palace. Perched high in the hills and surrounded by melted snow, the former home of the Dalai Lama is now a museum owned by the Chinese. Most Tibetans continue to revere the Dalai Lama, and many homes feature secret altars to him, adorned with forbidden photos. Tibet's youth are not so dedicated. Compared to their Chinese contemporaries, Tibetan teenagers are hip.
Greater awareness can breed frustration, of course.
Lhasa has little opportunity to satisfy hungry ambition. While Chinese modernity pulls from one side, Tibetan identity pulls from the other. When Lhasa gets a McDonald's, the tug of war may well be over. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.