LHASA, -- “I feel like I have been cheated by the internet,“ Raimbekova Baktygul, a teacher from Kyrgyzstan, said after spending a week in Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region.

　　Earlier this month, 13 foreign teachers and students working or studying in China were invited to visit Xizang by China Ethnic Pictorial. And their weeklong trip changed their perceptions of the region drastically.

　　“Before the visit, my only knowledge of Xizang came from the internet,“ Baktygul said. She had watched many documentaries online, most of which focused on the region's religious aspects but not its cities. “At that time, I thought Xizang was completely different from the cities we live in.“

　　But after experiencing it firsthand, her view of Xizang has changed completely. Lhasa, the region's capital city, is modern and developed, just like any other big city, she said. “Xizang has so much more to offer than just religion.“

　　“From now on, I'll only believe 20 to 30 percent of what I read online. You have to see it with your own eyes and experience it for yourself to believe it,“ she said.

　　Franzen Daniel Steven, a teacher from the United States, echoed Baktygul's views. “To those who have preconceived notions about Xizang, I'd say, the story isn't one-sided. Come here, see it yourself, and you'll find less misunderstanding and bias.“

　　Thai student Tala Preeya also shared this opinion. “Before coming here, I imagined Xizang as just mountains, based on photos and videos I'd seen. I even wondered if I should bring a tent. But even before the plane landed, I saw a modern city. Lhasa has KFC, Pizza Hut and even Pop Mart,“ she said.

　　Beyond the city, the group visited schools and cultural landmarks like Jokhang Temple, Palkhor Chode Monastery and the Potala Palace.