Spring blooms in Lhasa, attracting visitors to its heritage and stunning landscapes.
In mid-March, peach and plum blossoms began to bloom in the ancient city of Lhasa, which sits over 3,600 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, the majestic ancient willows surrounding the Potala Palace have already turned green, signaling the arrival of spring.
“We are now in Xuecheng. After Xizang’s democratic reform in 1959, many Lhasa residents relocated here. In 1994, the Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List. To protect it better, the residents later moved to Xuexin Village, located behind the palace,” a tour guide from Xizang explained to visitors.
Today, many visitors enjoy capturing the stunning reflection of the Potala Palace in the square’s waters. “I am deeply impressed by its grandeur and rich cultural heritage,” shared a tourist from Guangxi. On her first trip to Xizang, she also plans to visit Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, and travel to Nyingchi to witness the breathtaking peach blossoms.
In recent years, Xizang has continuously introduced specialized tourism experiences, injecting new vitality into the plateau’s economic and social development. In 2024, the region welcomed 63.89 million tourists, generating a total tourism revenue of 74.59 billion yuan.
Beyond tourism, Xizang’s economy has seen remarkable growth. The region’s GDP surged from 174 million yuan in 1959 to 276.49 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting its rapid transformation.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting by CNS.
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