Chinese President Xi Jinping joined residents and officials in Lhasa on Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of the Xizang Autonomous Region's establishment, highlighting decades of social and economic progress. The event showcased personal stories of transformation from those who witnessed the region's evolution firsthand.
"I've seen roads replace mountain trails and modern hospitals rise where healers once traveled by horseback," said 82-year-old Lhasa resident Tashi Dorje, whose family has lived in the region for generations. "My grandchildren now study robotics – something we couldn't imagine six decades ago."
Government data presented at the gathering shows Xizang's GDP grew 8.3% year-on-year in 2023, with tourism revenue hitting record levels. President Xi emphasized the importance of maintaining ethnic unity and ecological preservation while pursuing development.
The celebration featured exhibitions on Xizang's cultural heritage preservation efforts, including digital archives of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and sustainable tourism initiatives. International observers noted improved transportation infrastructure, with the Lhasa-Nyingchi railway now connecting previously isolated communities.
