Tibetan pilgrims circle a monastery in Nagqu. [Photo By Wang Zhuangfei / China Daily]

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.