On Thursday morning, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a gathering in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang Autonomous Region, marking the 60th anniversary of its founding. Against the backdrop of iconic monasteries and snow-capped peaks, local residents took the stage to share personal stories of transformation and progress.
From Frontier to Regional Hub
"I was born in a nomad tent where we had to move with the seasons," recalls Wang Dawa, now 65. "Today, I run a guesthouse that welcomes visitors from around the world." Over the past six decades, the region's GDP has expanded at an average annual rate of 8%, according to local data, reshaping Lhasa into a vibrant trade and cultural hub.
Cultural Revival and Sustainability
Local artist Tenzin Palmo describes how traditional crafts have found new life. "Our embroidery was nearly lost, but now it features in sustainable fashion shows from Beijing to Milan." Tourism has surged from mere thousands of visitors in the 1960s to over 10 million last year, fueling a wave of eco-friendly homestays and Tibetan-language workshops.
Modern Infrastructure and Connectivity
Once accessible only by mule paths, the region now boasts high-speed rail links that cut travel time to major cities on the Chinese mainland by more than half. "I remember when it took three days to reach Lhasa on a rough trail," says elder herdsman Pema Norbu. "Now I can meet my son in Chengdu in a matter of hours."
Looking Ahead: Youth and Innovation
For many young residents, the celebration was a call to build on past gains. University student Sonam Lhamo launched a mobile app that connects rural farmers with urban markets, leveraging 5G coverage that blankets the region. "This anniversary reminds us that progress is a shared journey," she says.
As President Xi Jinping joined local leaders on stage, the voices of Xizang's residents painted a vivid portrait of a region transformed—where tradition and modernity continue to shape a new era in the roof of the world.
Reference(s):
Local resident: 60 years witnessing earth-shaking changes in Xizang
cgtn.com
