Twenty thousand people gathered in the square in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region with President Xi Jinping. The region, once one of the poorest parts of China, is now celebrating historic achievements in development, modernisation and improving the lives of its people.

Xi Jinping, in a speech at the ceremony, called for building of modern socialist Xizangthat is united, prosperous, harmonious and beautiful. He stressed four main tasks: maintaining stability, promoting development, protecting the ecological environment and strengthening borders.

An example of transformation is Kala Village in Nyingchi Citywhich has been transformed from a poor mountain settlement into a tourist destination thanks to the 'peach blossom economy'. In 1998, locals earned only 2,000 yuan from tourism, while in 2024 they welcomed over 110,000 visitors with an income of 3.7 million yuan.

Xizang boasts today 154 times GDP growth compared to 1965, the end of absolute poverty and modern infrastructure - from running water and electricity to rail and air links. At the same time, the region has put an emphasis on ecology and the development of industries such as clean energy, agriculture, pastoralism and cultural tourism.

Sixty years since its inception, Xizang has become a model example of how China's modernization can bring all-round development and genuine prosperity even in the harsh conditions of the "roof of the world".

CMG