Abstract
The purpose of this study is to research the change of Tibet's commercial district following Tibet's globalization(traditional clothing to modern clothing). Tibet's traditional culture is fastly changing for two major reasons: Chinese government's persistent assimilation policy on minority ethnic groups and globalization, a powerful trend worldwide. Therefore this investigation was conducted on the most preeminent feature of life, clothing culture, at capital city Lhasa where modernization is most prominent and fast in Tibet. For this, the first field investigation was conducted between February 5th and 15th, 2007. and the second investgation was between January 16th and 25th, 2008. As a result, the study on clothing globalization in Lhasa, Tibet, reaches the conclusion as follows: Based on such developments, commerce of Lhasa has been modernized, bringing about great change in composition and formation of its commercial district. Stores have been modernized and their service quality has improved. While the number of traditional clothes shops has decreased, various types of modern clothes shops have emerged. Modern clothes stores mostly consist of quality men's wear shops, casual clothing shops targeting those in their 20s, and sportswear shops reflecting global trend. This composition indicates that it is men and younger generation who first adopt new culture emerged through globalization. Tibet's modernization and social development have become an integral part of globalization and public sentiment. Therefore, its modernization will be driven by power and capability of the public, rather than by policy control of the central government.
