The area north of Gangdisi Mountains and Nianqingtangula Mountain is slightly rolling Northern Tibet plateau, while south of these mountains are Southern Tibet valleys with a series of narrow and wide plains, among which Lhasa Valley plain is the largest. Lying between the south of the valleys and the border are the Himalayas. The eastern part of the Autonomous Region is the northern section of the Hengduan Mountains, known as "Eastern Tibet High Mountain and gorge Area". The Yaluzangbu River is the most important river flowing out of Tibet. Tibet has the temperate highland climate, with comparatively low temperature and little rainfall, thin air but plentiful sunshine. Among its minerals, uranium, chromite, copper, borax and salt etc, stand in the forefront in deposit in China. 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.

Known as "The Roof of the World", Tibet has spectacular and fascinating snow-capped Peaks, glaciers, high mountains, wide rivers, unique highland lakes, geothermal springs, vast pastoral areas, magnificent monasteries, brilliant religious arts and interesting ethnic customs. 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.