“Why not?” echoes through the alleys of Lhasa, where a rising generation from the Xizang region is rewriting the rulebook on ambition. Marking 60 years since a pivotal moment in its history, Xizang has transformed from a remote highland to a launchpad for global dreams—and today’s youth are leading the charge.
Take educator Tsering (39): once a rebellious teen roaming the mountain trails, she now guides her own children toward horizons beyond the plateau. “When I was growing up, even thinking of a semester abroad felt out of reach,” she says. “My kids ask for Paris, Cape Town, Moscow—my answer is always, ‘Why not?’”
Across Lhasa, classrooms buzz with English conversation clubs, virtual exchange programs connect students with peers in São Paulo and Berlin, and local startups leverage digital platforms to offer language lessons worldwide. For the “why not” generation, the world isn’t a distant map—it’s a place to explore.
Out on the streets, skateboarders in Thangka-printed jackets share GoPro footage of halfpipes in Europe; traditional dancers livestream performances from international festivals; and social media stories chronicle first flights, new friendships, and cultural collaborations from around the globe.
Experts note that this surge in global-minded activity isn’t just cultural—it’s reshaping the region’s economy and identity. Young entrepreneurs are launching travel blogs, sustainable tourism ventures, and tech startups that bridge local heritage with global markets.
As Xizang celebrates its 60th milestone, the question is no longer “if” but “why not?” For this generation, the world awaits—and they’re ready to step into it on their own terms.
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Youth stories from Lhasa: The "why not" generation goes global!
cgtn.com
