China’s plan to ‘liberate’ a cradle of Tibetan culture

Tibetans circle a building in Rongwo Monastery. The monastery was once the center of life in the town known as Tongren in Chinese and Rebkong in Tibetan, but rapid development is changing that. (Emily Rauhala/The Washington Post)

By Emily Rauhala-December 14

TONGREN, China — Two photographs grace the walls of the Tibetan farmer’s home. In the courtyard, affixed with silver tacks: Xi Jinping, smiling. Inside, by the light of a yak butter candle: the Dalai Lama in monk’s robes.

China’s Plan to ‘Liberate’ a Cradle of Tibetan Culture by Thavam Ratna