In the high-altitude city of Xigaze, Xizang Autonomous Region, fields of golden rapeseed blooms stretch across rugged landscapes, offering more than just scenic beauty. For local farmers, this crop has become a transformative economic force, turning centuries-old agricultural practices into a modern engine for prosperity.
Known as "liquid gold" by residents, rapeseed oil production now supports over 12,000 households in the region, according to local cooperatives. The cold-pressed oil—prized for its nutritional value—is cultivated at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters, where traditional farming methods blend with new sustainability initiatives. "Every bottle carries our heritage," said Tashi, a third-generation rapeseed farmer. "Now it also sends children to school and builds better homes."
The industry’s growth has sparked innovative partnerships, with cooperatives training younger residents in quality control and e-commerce logistics. CGTN reporter Zang Shijie noted during his visit: "What began as subsistence farming is now a model of rural revitalization—proving tradition and progress can thrive together."
As global demand for specialty oils rises, Xigaze’s producers are exploring international markets while maintaining organic certification standards. The sector’s success highlights China’s broader efforts to boost sustainable livelihoods in western regions through culturally rooted industries.
