Three years after COVID-19 reshaped daily life, Lhasa's ancient streets are humming with renewed energy. Following China's January 8 decision to downgrade COVID-19 management from Class A to Class B, the Tibetan capital has seen its iconic Potala Palace square transform from quiet courtyards to vibrant gathering spaces.
CGTN footage reveals residents practicing traditional dances and tourists snapping photos against the palace's whitewashed walls, with vendors reporting their highest foot traffic since 2019. Local shop owner Tenzin Dorje shared: 'We're seeing more visitors every day – it feels like Lhasa’s heartbeat is returning.'
The shift comes as cities across China implement optimized prevention measures while reviving economic activity. Analysts note tourism recovery in culturally significant areas like Tibet could signal broader momentum for Asia's travel sector, offering insights for digital nomads and entrepreneurs tracking post-pandemic trends.
With spring festival approaching, authorities have coordinated accelerated reopening plans, blending public health safeguards with cultural preservation – a dynamic pulse check for global observers of China’s recovery narrative.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
