Tibet has rich resources of hydraulic, geothermal, solar as well as wind energy, and abounds in forest resources in eastern gorge area. The Tibet Autonomous Region is populated principally by the Zang Nationality and there are also the Han, Menba, Luoba, and Hui Nationalities. As one of China's five major pastoral areas, Livestock breeding is the backbone of its economy. Next come the growing of Qingke barley, peas, horse beans, rape-seeds, jute, beet etc. Its industry is comparatively backward.
Highway plays the chief role in transport in Tibet.
Air flights from Lhasa to Chengdu and Xian have already been in operation. Main famous scenic spots and historical sites are the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Norbulingka Park, Jokang Monastery, Yalong River in Southern Tibet, Tombs of the Tibetan Kings, Jashilumbu Monastery west of Shigatse city etc. Famous traditional specialties include Tibetan carpets and boots, Qingke barley wine, roasted Qingke barley flour, snow-lotus etc.