Barkor Street in Lhasa

Tibetan pilgrims walk past Jokhang Temple in Barkor Street in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, August 11, 2005.

The photo taken on August 12, 2005 shows a bird-eye view of part of Barkor Street in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, August 12, 2005. Barkor Street, which has a history of over 1,000 years, surrounds the Jokhang Temple. It was originally an important route for Tibetan Buddhists to walk clockwise around to show their devotion. This religious behavior is called "Barkor" in the Tibetan language. As one of the most bustling sections in Lhasa nowadays, Barkor Street features in sale of various kinds of handicrafts and living necessities from local areas, India and Nepal. In addition, it has also become one of the tourism attractions for visitors from at home and abroad because of its unique historical, cultural, religious, ethnic and commercial characteristics. Everyday, a large number of pilgrims walk clockwise around while turning their prayer wheels, lamas roam around, backpackers pass by, and tourists enjoy a moment of tranquility in bars around Barkor Street.

Italian architect Enrico Molteni chooses and buys a Tibetan costume for his wife Cecile Bonnette in a shop on Barkor Street in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, August 11, 2005.

A store owner counts his income in his store on Barkor Street in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, August 11, 2005.

A foreign tourist shows her DV to a Tibetan Buddhist prayer on Barkor Street in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, August 11, 2005.