Xiahe Warnings Or Dangers

1. The colonising Chinese in Labrang nearly all treat the indigenous Tibetans as sub-human scum. They have many dirogatory phrases which are constantly used to disparage and insult Tibetans eg. dirty barbarian, unclean flea. Doesn't sound like much? Words like "kafir" as used in apertheid era South Africa don't sound too bad out of context. But believe me they hurt Tibetans deeply. Obviously Labrang is no worse off than anywhere else in Tibet but Labrang is becoming something of a tourist centre and most visitors come and stay for a few days and on the surface everything seems hunky-dory. Unfortunately if you believe this you are just falling into the Chinese trap.
2. As of 6/11/07 foreigners have been banned from using the internet in Labrang. All the hotel and internet bar owners have had the frighteners put on them and will turn you away if you try to use the internet. I do not know if this is only in Labrang or in the rest of Tibet.
3. According to the Labrang PSB (Police) foreigners are only allowed to stay in one place in China for a maximum of 15 days even if their visa is for a far longer period. After 15 days they must leave for "Beijing or Chengdu". Foreigners who have been in Labrang for more than 15 days are currently being "persuaded' to leave.