What is Motuo in Tibet, the last county to be connected by a highway in China, like?

Motuo, which means "The Hidden lotus" in Tibetan language, is the final county in China to be connected to the rest of the country by paved road. The 117-km-long Zhamo Highway that connects Bomi to Motuo was put into use in 2013. Why the Zhamo Highway is worthy driving and what the Motuo county looks like? My friend Zhou Mi, also a researcher on trade and economy, has been back from Motuo. I talked to him to introduce a real Motuo.

I: Is the Zhamo Highway easy to drive? Did you run into any problems?

Zhou: We departed from Bomi, then descended into Metuo along the Zhamo Highway. Traffic is regulated—vehicles driving in on even-numbered dates, leaving on odd-numbered dates.

Before reaching the Galongla Tunnel, the road feels like any ordinary highway. After the tunnel, however, heavy rainfall has severely eroded the roadbed. Some sections are under repair, and we were caught in a major traffic jam.

Passing through the tunnel, the road winds down the mountain in sharp switchbacks. The elevation drops dramatically, and the road becomes narrow and steep. It was this very stretch that finally broke Metuo isolation.

I: The Zhamo Highway is famous for the saying, "One mountain, four seasons; 10 miles, different weather." Did you experience that?

Zhou: Absolutely. In three hours, we traveled from glaciers to tropical rainforest. Before entering the Galongla Tunnel, glaciers sparkled in the sunlight. After that, the landscape transformed from conifer forests to broadleaf forests. Banana leaves lined the roadside, waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, and wildflowers bloomed beneath towering trees. The biodiversity was astonishing. We felt like stepping into the Amazon

I: From planning to completion, the road construction took more than 50 years. Having experienced the highway yourself, what do you think of the project?

Zhou: The project is incredible. First, there was no way to transport heavy machinery, so construction advanced while machinery was brought in bit by bit. Falling rocks are common, especially after rain, blocking traffic from both directions. Rockfalls and fallen trees damage the road surface. During the rainy season, floods wash away the roadbed, causing collapses and severe damage. In winter, snow and ice take their toll as well. The highway had to be rebuilt again and again, and even today it requires constant maintenance.

I: The incredible highway ends the isolation of the Motuo county. What is unique about the town as you see?

Zhou: Motuo and many nearby villages are scattered along both sides of the valley. At sunrise, mist drifts through the mountains, making the town look like a mirage. Land is scarce, so parking space is limited. Many vehicles are seen parking along the roadside.

I: What did you learn about the local culture from talking with residents?

Zhou: Transportation is much easier today, people remain talking about the era of the porters. Before the highway, everything—from daily necessities to refrigerators and washing machines—had to be carried by people or pack animals. They carried over 100 kilograms of local produce on their backs to Bomi and Milin, where they traded for daily necessities before making the long journey home. They crossed mountains for weeks at a time, sleeping outdoors and risking avalanches, landslides, and leeches. It was a true test of endurance and courage.

I: Locals deserve respect. They didn’t leave their homeland, but safeguard China’s border town day by day. Is there any other road leading to Motuo now?

Zhou: Another highway leading to Motuo from another direction has already been completed. It passes through tunnels and pristine forests. The project was designed to minimize its impact on the environment and protect the region's rich biodiversity. It is undergoing evaluation before opening.

I: Since getting to Motuo is difficult, is the cost of living high?

Zhou: Prices are generally higher than elsewhere. However, fuel costs the same as outside the town. Government subsidies help keep transportation and logistics running smoothly, supporting the local economy.

I: There's a saying: "There is only one Metuo in the world, but Metuo holds the whole world." What’s your understanding now?

Zhou: I watched a stage performance called Motuo Qing, which tells the story of ancient hunting traditions, porter culture, and its development. The show ends with that very line. The Zhamo Highway has opened for 13 years, Motuo has transformed from an isolated, closed-off place into one that is connected and thriving. It's a change locals have long hoped for—and one we're fortunate to witness.

Motuo is like a forgotten pearl. It preserves some of the world's most pristine and untouched landscapes. It is truly a place worth visiting.

Why does China want Tibet?

China wants Tibet ?!?!

Asking why China wants Tibet is a bit like asking why Canada wants Quebec !!

Tibet is already recognised as integral part of China by India, its largest neighbour and other countries. There is absolutely no debate on this in international forums.

Isolated protests by flag waving Tibetans has not got any traction with the western powers. USA accepts it. They are afraid to infuriate China by saying anything against ‘one China policy’. The recent visit of Trump said a lot. Not a single squeak about Tibet. On Taiwan , Trump said that he will not fight a war 19000 km away from American borders for Taiwan.

When Taiwan issue has been closed by USA then you can very well guess where Tibet stands in the eyes of America.

India has a Tibetan Govt in Exile since 1959 when his holiness The Dalai Lama left Tibet. But even the Dalai Lama does not seek independence. He only speaks about preservation of rich Tibetan culture and some local autonomy within the Chinese state.

Tibet is a closed chapter.

So asking if “China wants Tibet” is oxymoronic, since nobody contests that Tibet is not part of China.

China has made massive infra development in Tibet and various travel vlogs from international travellers show that Tibetans are freely practising their religion and following their scriptures without any restriction from the Chinese Govt.

(I have not come across a single Tibetan complaining about Chinese Bullet Trains on the highest railway network in the world)

Chinese Tibetans are now part of the PLA. Many Tibetans are in the bureaucracy. Also it must be noted that Tibetans in India have settled down in their respective niches in Bangalore, Mysore, Dehradun, Dharamshala , Delhi and many places all over India. Most of them in Indian plains have received their education in India. Most places in India , except Ladakh, are low altitude and temperatures are fine , unlike sub-zero high altitude terrain of Tibetan plateau. The Tibetans in India have seen what living in a democracy , with all its benefits and imperfections, look like. Now given an option , how many Tibetans used to Indian life , will go back to their ancestral land in Tibet. This is an important question.

I have spoken to many Tibetans in India and they are very happy and prosperous in their adopted country. There is clarity of thought that independent Tibet is never going to happen. I have also spoken to Tibetans living in China and they seem to be happy with their high quality of life in Tibet. International media says that Tibetan culture is being stifled, but prayers and ceremonial functions are held without interruption in monasteries. I can see videos of the devotees circumambulating places of worship and professing their faith. I also see many revered lamas in red robes, in public spaces , spinning the prayer wheels in Tibet.

It is said that China has resettled many mainlanders in Tibet and is trying to ethnically dilute Tibetan identity. If anyone has any information in this them kindly educate the readers in Quora.

The only issue of contention between China and His Holiness is the reincarnation issue. China says that the child will be chosen by PRC, but His Holiness says it will be done as per ancient practices.

As per latest reports China has built octagonal underground ICBM nuclear launch sites that covers the entire USA and Europe. China is too powerful and nobody can once again repeat the act of cutting the Chinese melon. Forget Tibet, no NATO power can even verbally cross the red line drawn by China on Taiwan.

So, China does not want Tibet , because the world accepts that Tibet is China.

This is an opinion from India 🇮🇳, based on the real world.