The central government delegation left Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, on Thursday afternoon, after it wound up its week-long visit to celebrate the 40th founding anniversary of this southwest China autonomous region.

The delegation is led by Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau.

Local leaders of Tibet saw off the central delegation at the Gonggar Airport, along with hundreds of Tibetans who were dressed in festive clothes, dancing to merry tunes.

Over the past few days, the delegation participated in a series of activities to mark the anniversary including a grandeur ceremony, visited villagers, civilians and armed force units, brought gifts to rural families -- one solar-oven for each household, distributed cash among some lamas, and attended a grandeur ceremony to celebrate the founding anniversary.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2005)