Source: CCTV.com 04-08-2009 09:12

A German group of 11 tourists arrived in Lhasa on Saturday night to begin their six-day tour of the Tibet Autonomous Region. They are the first foreign tourist group to visit Tibet since the region was re-opened to foreign tourists on April the 5th.

The group began their trip by visiting the Potala Palace. One of the German visitors said that he's been planning this tour for more than a year. After experiencing breathtaking scenery and culture, he said the trip was worthwhile.

The tour group is visiting a number of other scenic spots in Tibet, including the Jokhang Temple, Mount Qomolangma, and the Norbu Lingka. They will leave Tibet for Nepal on Thursday.

The Tibet Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau says more than 500 foreign tourists are expected to visit Tibet before April the 20th.

The tourists are from countries such as the United States, Canada, France, Japan, Italy, Denmark and Australia.

Tibet suspended visits by foreigners to protect their safety, after a riot in March last year.