Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Shigatse – Xizang's border city stretching over 1,800 km – continues its centuries-old legacy as a vital crossroads for regional trade and cultural exchange. Once a key stop on ancient tea-horse caravan routes, the city now sees Nepali spices, Bhutanese textiles, and Chinese electronics flow through its markets.
Where Tradition Meets Commerce
Local traders report a 15% year-on-year increase in cross-border transactions, with modern cold-storage facilities complementing traditional barter practices. "My family has traded here for three generations," says Tenzin Dorje, a Shigatse merchant. "Now we use mobile payments alongside yak caravans."
Economic Gateway
Recent infrastructure developments, including upgraded highway connections to Kathmandu and Thimphu, position Shigatse as a growing hub for sustainable tourism and renewable energy partnerships. Analysts note its strategic location offers access to markets totaling 2.3 billion people across South and East Asia.
