One of a series of projects designed to support the development of Tibet's tourism, the local tourist department has selected six guides from more than 50 volunteers, who will join the first batch of 100 guides recruited nationwide to work on the plateau, known by many as "the roof of the world".

The six guides, all male and averaging 27 years of age, are experienced tourist guides selected from top local travel agencies. Among them are fluent German, English and Japanese speakers, and three of them have studied abroad.

They have already received special training to help them to adapt to life and work on the plateau.

The region's peak tourist season begins in May and ends in November.

Yao Mingbao, director of the city's tourist office, said that Shanghai will continue to send excellent tourist guides to Tibet in the coming years.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2003)