Originally Posted by
rkkwan
Just want to add that I totally agree with the premise that for just a short trip to taste the Tibetan culture, go to Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai or Gansu. It is NOT worth the trouble and expenses unless one feels like they absolutely have to go to Lhasa, or be in Tibet. But if that's the case, go for longer.
Having been all over China and in Tibet, I would agree. If this is a first trip to China, then skip Tibet and go to Qinghai/Sichuan, scenery is just as beautiful and you skip the cost and red tape.