High above the world's rooftop, where Mount Qomolangma pierces the sky at 8,848 m, the Xizang region is charting a new trajectory. In 2024, its GDP soared to 276.5 billion yuan (about $38.5 billion), marking a 155-fold increase since 1965 and averaging 8.9% annual growth.
Connectivity on the plateau is no longer a dream. By year's end, Xizang boasted 125,000 km of highways, 183 air routes linking 78 cities, and rural tap water coverage climbing to 68.7%. Travelers took notice: over 320,000 inbound tourists experienced the region's unique landscapes and living cultures.
Economic gains are transforming daily life. Average disposable income reached 31,358 yuan, with rural residents earning 21,578 yuan (about $3,002). Life expectancy climbed to 72.5 years, while nine-year compulsory education completion hit 97.86%, nurturing the next generation of plateau leaders.
Cultural heritage thrives alongside modern growth. Home to more than 1,700 Tibetan Buddhist religious sites and around 46,000 monks and nuns, Xizang remains a living tapestry of traditions. The number of full-time Tibetan language teachers jumped from 5,800 in 2018 to nearly 8,300 in 2024.
Amid these milestones, environmental stewardship stands at the forefront. Over half of Xizang's land falls within the ecological red line. The Mount Qomolangma National Nature Reserve spans 33,800 square kilometers – one of 47 protected areas safeguarding fragile ecosystems and wildlife on the world's highest plateau.
As Xizang balances rapid development with cultural and ecological preservation, the region invites young global citizens, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and travelers to witness its transformation – where ancient traditions meet modern ambition under the vast Tibetan skies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
