At over 4,000 meters above sea level in Xigaze, fields of bright yellow rapeseed bloom against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Here, rapeseed oil has earned the nickname "liquid gold" for its vibrant color and precious role in local livelihoods.
Farmers in the Xizang region cultivate these golden crops on terraced slopes, relying on the high-altitude climate to produce oil with a rich, nutty aroma. Once a subsistence crop, rapeseed has become a cornerstone of sustainable income thanks to community-led cooperatives and value-added processing facilities.
By pressing and bottling the oil locally, residents create jobs in harvesting, production, and packaging. In recent years, household incomes have increased, helping young people stay in their villages rather than migrate to cities. Traditions of hand-powered pressing presses are preserved alongside modern quality controls, blending heritage with innovation.
For visitors to Xizang, touring a highland oil press is a must-do experience. Travelers can join spring planting events, learn traditional pressing techniques, and sample fresh oil drizzled over local barley flatbread. This immersive approach connects digital nomads and cultural explorers with the rhythms of mountain agriculture.
From seed to bottle, rapeseed oil is more than just a cooking staple on the roof of the world. It is the engine of community resilience, cultural pride, and economic growth in one of the planet’s highest farming regions.
Reference(s):
Liquid Gold at 4,000m: Xizang's rapeseed oil fuels prosperity
cgtn.com
