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Key Words
Special> 50th Anniversary of Tibet Autonomous Region> Key Words
UPDATED: July 28, 2014 NO. 31 JULY 31, 2014
On the Roof of the World
A small inn at the foot of the Himalayas wins travelers' hearts over with unique Tibetan spirit
By Zan Jifang
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AN UNASSUMING LOCATION: Lodre's hotel, though not luxurious, offers the real atmosphere of Tibetan culture (DONG FANG)

"We provide traditional Tibetan food, treat everyone kindheartedly and try our best to surround our guests with real Tibetan culture. All of these efforts have paid off. Our hotel is liked by our guests, and has become known to more and more people." he added.

Lodre proudly mentioned that he was once even interviewed by China Central Television (CCTV), China's national TV broadcaster. He was also invited to attend the widely watched CCTV Spring Festival Gala, an annual entertainment show that is broadcast live on the eve of the Chinese New Year and attracts hundreds of millions of viewers.

Though Lodre only received three years of primary school education, he is highly knowledgeable and capable in eyes of those around him. He speaks Mandarin and even some English, which are very helpful in dealing with hotel business. But perhaps it's his outgoing nature and amiability that help him make friends with his guests so easily.

"In our county, people lived by farming and herding for generation after generation. Those with a mind for business like Lodre were few and far between. By working in the transportation business, he and his family members left the mountains, and gained experience in the outside world," said Sangye, Deputy Director of the Lhaze County Government Office. "The government hopes Lodre's hotel succeeds and he can lead others to prosperity."

The inn's waiters and hosts are all locals. They are encouraged to communicate with guests and learn Mandarin and English, giving most of them the ability to have simple chats with foreign visitors. Simply by working there, the local staff have improved their living conditions, also gaining important language skills that will better their prospects in the future.

The hotel has grown as fast as was hoped. Four years ago, the building was expanded by adding a back yard with more rooms, which have better facilities. "We have remained in the Tibetan style, though, at the suggestion of our guests," Lodre said.

Now the hotel has more than 50 rooms, including rooms with as many as six beds and some with only two to meet different demands. The lowest-priced stay is just 15 yuan ($2.42) a night; the more private rooms with two beds go for 200 yuan ($32). Lodre noted that bike riders like Yang prefer the larger rooms with more beds, since those are cheaper and allow the groups to stay with each other.

Based on the success of the inn in Lhaze, Lodre opened a second location in Xigaze, the second largest city in Tibet, eight years ago. It has 62 rooms. Plans are now in the works to build another three-story hotel there, which will have 64 rooms. "We are also going to further expand the original hotel in Lhaze, which will provide more entertainment and recreation facilities and services for our guests," Lodre said.

Man of many talents

Lodre is admired by his fellows as an entrepreneur. His life experience is almost legendary to his friends: Before getting into the transportation business, he was an excellent Tibetan carpet maker.

Born into a farmer's family, Lodre learned to make wool carpet at the age of 13 from his parents. His skill stood out in the region in his 40s. He teaches his own children this traditional craft and also has 60 students, all while running a carpet business on the side, which has seven workers.

Though Lodre feels satisfied with his current life, he still has regrets. "I only received schooling for a short time, and I knew the limitation of being illiterate," he said. Because of this, his biggest wish is that his youngest daughter, who is studying at a senior high school in Xigaze, can go to college. "Knowledge is very important, and I hope my children can use it to accomplish more than my generation."

As a few more visitors trickle into the hotel courtyard for the evening, Lodre welcomes them warmly and plays his fiddle while singing a joyful traditional song. The song, he explains to the audience, describes the beautiful life of Tibetans.

Email us at: zanjifang@bjreview.com

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