More and more local residents in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region choose to buy books as the Tibetan new year approaches.

Twenty-four year old Gesang bought several newly-published economic books in a small bookstore. "I prefer to read these books during the vacation," he said. The central government is preparing to develop our western regions and I do not want to miss the chance to build Tibet," he added.

Tibetans have been investing more in education in recent years. On average, Tibetans spend over 20 percent of their total income.

Children's education is attracting more and more attention. Some local nursery schools have established computers, English and music courses. Educational books for children are in great demand as well, according to a Xinhua chain bookstore manager.

As in other parts of China, many people in Tibet employ private tutors to help their children or send them to extra-curricular classes after school.

"My family purchased a computer recently," said Tubdain, who also bought several computer books at another Xinhua Bookstore "I'm going to become a regular Internet user and learn as much as I can about the world."

Instructive books on science and technology, social science, policies, laws and regulations and reference books are among the best sellers. said a Xinhua Bookstore salesperson. Adults are enthusiastic about learning foreign languages in Lhasa. Since the establishment of the first private English school in 1988. About 300 students take lessons every year. Foreign language training classes funded by people from all walks of life have increased remarkably. (Xinhua)