BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Entering the Tibet autonomous region everything slows down as oxygen levels decrease, allowing people to enjoy the region's fantastic natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

The autonomous region is on the Tibetan Plateau in Northwest China. As the highest region on Earth, Tibet has an average elevation of 4,900 meters above sea level.

In September, celebrations were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet autonomous region.

China Daily reporters visited various areas of Tibet to look at changes in the region during the past 50 years.

The autonomous region is home to about 3.1 million people and 92 percent are of ethnic minorities.

Buddhist images and Tibetan scriptures, including om mani padme hum, the mantra of the bodhisattva of compassion, can be seen and heard everywhere, carved in stones, murmured by pilgrims and written on prayer flags and wheels.

Lhasa resident Drolma Yangkyi walks around Jokhang Temple once a day and the Potala Palace once a week, but she doesn't feel like her devotional circles are enough.