People take photos of folk costumes on display at the 5th China Xizang Culture and Tourism Expo, June 18, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 5th China Xizang Culture and Tourism Expo was held in Lhasa, capital of Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, from Friday to Sunday, attracting over 600 enterprises and merchants from China and abroad, including 75 foreign companies from 16 countries such as Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia and Bhutan.

They showcased nearly 10,000 types of products ranging from porcelain and local specialties to Nepalese silverware and Turkish handicrafts.

An exhibitor introduces Tibetan local specialties to visitors at the expo, June 18, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Under the theme of "Experience a Joyful and New Xizang; Explore, Unite, and Journey on", the three-day expo highlighted tourism culture, boosted international exchanges, focused on attracting global investment and strived to present a colorful new Tibet to the world. It featured both online and offline events, including a main forum, exhibitions, tourism marketing and investment promotion activities.

The expo also held a VR exhibition, using 3D modeling and high-definition rendering technologies to build an immersive virtual exhibition hall online.

The number offfline visitors to the expo reached 120,000 and the opening ceremony and gala garnered nearly 10 million views online.

A merchant from Bhutan introduces his products to visitors, June 18, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hu Heping, minister of culture and tourism, said the expo is aimed at building a high-level and globally recognized platform to showcase the beauty of Tibet - its ecological splendor, cultural richness, and historical significance, as well as  new achievements in the region over the decades. He said it would be a gateway for both Chinese and global audience to know an authentic Tibet, embrace its diversity, and cultivate a passion for it.

Models showcase folk costumes of Tibet at the expo, June 17, 2023. [Photo by Li Ping/chinadaily.com.cn]
 

Models showcase folk costumes of Tibet at the expo, June 17, 2023. [Photo by Li Ping/chinadaily.com.cn]
 

Cultural products of Tibet's Potala Palace on display at the expo, June 17, 2023. [Photo by Li Ping/chinadaily.com.cn]