ABSTRACT
Historical and political interpretations of the Sino-Tibetan relationship are based on different interpretations. The Chinese conception assumes that Tibet has “always” been part of China. However, there is also the opposite view in which Tibet was a sovereign and independent state, subjugated by China at some point in history. In some accounts, Tibet is even seen as having controlled China at one point. The fact is that Tibet with its capital Lhasa has been hardly accessible to visitors for centuries. Firstly, the journey itself was always physically very difficult, and secondly, it was caused by the policy of isolation toward the rest of the world which the consecutive Dalai Lamas took. This situation of isolation persists more or less to this day, with any visit to Tibet being subject to the consent of the authorities, nowadays the Chinese ones. Even though Tibet is today relatively easily accessible by plane or train, it is still not possible for foreigners to enter it freely. Tibet, therefore, remains to some extent isolated from the rest of the world, preserving its mysterious image.
