This year marks the 75th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Xizang, a milestone that highlights a profound transformation of the Snowy Plateau. From a region once characterized by isolated villages and unstable infrastructure to a burgeoning hub of economic growth and cultural preservation, Xizang is increasingly being described as a "miracle on Earth."
A Decade of Economic Acceleration
The economic trajectory of Xizang over the last several decades has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 1965, the region's GDP stood at 327 million yuan ($47.87 million). By 2025, that figure soared to 303.2 billion yuan ($44.39 billion). This growth has accelerated rapidly; while the first 100-billion-yuan threshold took 50 years to reach, the subsequent two milestones were achieved in just six and four years, respectively.
Last year, in 2025, Xizang recorded a GDP growth rate of 7.0%, signaling strong economic momentum. These figures translate into tangible quality-of-life improvements: absolute poverty has been eradicated, and the average life expectancy has risen to 72.5 years. Furthermore, Xizang was among the first regions in China to implement 15 years of publicly funded education, ensuring a brighter future for its youth.
Infrastructure and Ecological Stewardship
The landscape of Xizang has been reshaped by modern connectivity. The region now boasts a road network exceeding 120,000 kilometers, featuring a fully connected "Five Cities, Three Hours" expressway system. The Sichuan-Xizang Railway is progressing rapidly, further integrating the plateau with the rest of the mainland. Simultaneously, Xizang is leading in green energy, with installed clean energy capacity surpassing 10 million kilowatts.
As the "Water Tower of Asia," Xizang has balanced this industrial progress with a steadfast commitment to the environment. With 47 nature reserves covering more than one-third of its total land area, the region continues to prioritize the ecological integrity of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Preserving a Living Heritage
Beyond the economy, Xizang has seen a systematic revival of its rich cultural identity. The Epic of King Gesar, Tibetan opera, and Sowa Rigpa medicinal bathing are now recognized on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Between 2012 and 2024, central and regional government funds totaling 473 million yuan ($69.25 million) were dedicated to protecting intangible cultural heritage.
Major landmarks, including the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, and Sakya Monastery, have undergone significant renovations. A dedicated 300-million-yuan project is currently underway to preserve the ancient texts of the Potala Palace, ensuring that historical knowledge is passed to future generations.
Language preservation has also reached new heights. Tibetan is now the first ethnic minority language in China to receive an international standard. In boarding schools across the region, students engage in Tibetan language classes almost daily, while primary and secondary schools provide a bilingual curriculum in both Standard Chinese and Tibetan.
The Synergy of Progress and Tradition
While some argue that modernization threatens traditional charm, the reality in Xizang suggests a positive interplay. The region demonstrates that cultural preservation is most sustainable when supported by material security. By building roads, stabilizing power grids, and promoting education, Xizang is not replacing its traditions but providing the necessary foundation for them to thrive in the 21st century.
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Xizang at 75: Development and culture create a 'miracle on Earth'
cgtn.com
