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This is the traditional clothing of a Tibetan woman.   This particular outfit would be worn by a young lady for a special occasion such as Chinese New Year or Moon Festival, a family event, or a Tibetan day of celebration.   There are many layers to this combination of pieces of clothing, but the most distinctive is the multicolored apron.   Every young lady sews her own colorful apron before she is married.   It is then worn for her wedding and at every special occasion thereafter. The Tibetans live in the provinces of Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunan.   Their total population numbered about 3,870,000 in 1990.   Tibetans are one of the largest minority groups living within China, most of whom reside in the western provinces.    The living standards of the Tibetan people is said to have improved considerably since 1959.   Unrest, however, continues. They are devout Buddhists.   The Panchan Lama and the Dalai Lama are their religious leaders.    The Potala Palace in the heart of Lhasa was built in the 7th century by the ruler for his bride.   She had been sent to the Tibetan ruler as a gift from the Tang Court.   Extensive reconstruction and renovation have restored the palace to its previous splendor. The grasslands in the surrounding area support herds of horses, sheep, and yak.   Some of these migrating Tibetans take folding looms with them and weave colorful fabric as they follow their herds from one pasture to another. Tibet is not a place to take lightly when planning a visit.   the capital Lhasa is at an elevation of 12,000 feet, twice as high as Denver. Next Picture