For many generations, the Lhoba ethnic minority have made their homes in ravines scattered through the Himalayan Mountains. They speak a distinctive language that is a member of the Sino-Tibetan family, but they have no native written language. In the past they kept records by notching wood or tying knots, but now many can write in Chinese and Tibetan as well.

The Lhoba were oppressed until the China State Council approved them as one of the nation's 56 ethnic families in 1965. For the first time they were treated as equals by society. At the same time, more favorable policies were bestowed on the two ethnic autonomous villages in the Lhoba ethnic settlements of Medog and Mainling counties. Now they are well represented in government at regional, county, district and township levels.

Surrounded by dense forests deep in the mountains, the Lhoba counties crouch in the valleys below the snow-capped mountains. The thick mist, sparkling snow, singing from the wildwood and horses and cows frolicking on the grassland make a beautiful picture. It is the scene usually enjoyed by the lucky local residents, the Lhoba people.

Grandpa Dadeng lives in a new house in Qionglin Village, Mainling County. A paved path leads from the decorative front gate to a main hall, lined on both sides with green lawns. Floor space in all the multi-storied buildings in his compound totals 500 square meters. Enameled bricks pave the floors and parquet decorates the ceilings. Dadeng enjoys all the modern conveniences of color TV, refrigerator, washing machine and telephone.

The 73-year-old Dadeng smiles, "Gone with the wind are the times when we dressed in animal skins and used pine torches for light. The way I live is just average for the 30 families in this village."

More than 80 percent of the 451 people from 85 families in this small and remote village have moved into new buildings. Some basic living facilities like water and electricity are popular here. New roads and bridges are opening the region more. And children are offered free compulsory education.

Dajiu is the head of the village. He said that with the help of the local government, by developing tourism, planting economic forests and expanding the medicinal materials industry, the Lhoba have kept their per capita annual income at more than 2,300 yuan. That is above the average level for all of Tibet. Even though the Lhoba can no longer rely on the mountains to earn their living, since the government closed the hillsides to them in 2000 to facilitate reforestation, they are doing well.

More than 30 Lhoba people have shouldered important roles at all levels of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Lhoba group also has its own deputy in the National People's Congress.

(China.org.cn by Wang Ruyue April 27, 2004)