The Tibet Autonomous Region's tourist office in Shanghai is encouraging people to delay visiting Lhasa until September and October, when the peak summer season is over.

People are also advised to book group tours, as they have cheaper prices and better schedules.

Tourists have swarmed into the remote region since the Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened in September. Early media reports claimed that Tibet received 50% more tourists in the first twenty days of July than last year.

The most popular tourist destination, the Potala Palace, allows up to 2,300 tourists daily but tourists need to pick up an entry permit 24 hours before their visit to ensure entry.

Hotel reservations are also necessary as vacancies are rare in Lhasa's 10,000 hotel rooms.

CRIENGLISH.com 2006-08-15