In the heart of Xigaze, a vibrant celebration unfolded this week as residents marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region. The event highlighted the enduring bond between Han and Tibetan communities through a symbolic fusion of tea, salt, and cultural traditions.
A Tibetan proverb echoed through the festivities: "Love and affection bind us like tea and salt; Han-Tibetan unity holds fast like tea and salt." Participants honored this metaphor by blending Hanfu and traditional Tibetan attire, while dancers performed in a cross-cultural #XigazeDanceTime relay that drew crowds to the city's public squares.
Tea and salt—staples of Tibetan daily life and historic trade commodities—served as central motifs. Local elders recounted how these elements historically facilitated economic and cultural exchanges between ethnic groups. "Our shared appreciation for these essentials transcends differences," said Tenzin Wangmo, a cultural preservationist attending the event.
The anniversary celebrations come as Xizang reports increased tourism and cultural investments, with authorities emphasizing ethnic unity as key to regional development. Recent infrastructure projects have improved connectivity between Xigaze and other parts of the Chinese mainland, fostering greater cultural exchange.
