Dec. 16, 2019 -- Photo shows a corner of Xoiba Village's hot spring.

 

Dec. 16, 2019 -- In Tibet, when it comes to hot spring, most of the hot spring lovers will think of Olga, one of the most famous hot springs in Tibet, located in Xoiba Village of Sangri County, Shannan City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

 

Xoiba Village is located at the foot of the Olde Kungya Snow Mountain of Zingqi Town, 45 kilometers away from Sangri County seat. In recent years, relying on the natural resources advantage, Xoiba Village has vigorously developed tourist industry, and effectively increased its villagers' income. In 2018, all villagers of Xoiba got rid of poverty.

 

The director of Xoiba Village committee Losang Norbu says, "with the natural condition of Olde Kungya Snow Mountain and Olga Hot Spring, as well as the support of relevant departments, Xoiba Village has adopted the development mode of 'tourism + poverty alleviation', taken rural tourism as an important engine of poverty alleviation project, and promised to turn 'lucid waters and lush mountains' into 'invaluable assets'. Now the village receives ten thousands of tourists every year, which provides many working posts for the villagers and increases their income."

 

According to Norbu Jampel, the Party branch secretary of Xoiba Village, the most famous two sopts of Olga Hot Spring are Phagmo and Mianquka. In 2012, in order to attract more visitors, Xoiba village government has applied for 250,000 yuan RMB of project fund and 120,000 yuan RMB of private affairs fund, to build a reception site for Phagmo Hot Spring, solving tourists' accommodation problem.

 

"With the increasing number of tourists, the reception site is far from meeting the needs. Therefore, villagers has spontaneously raised money to build hotels. After completion of these hotels, it is expected to increase each villager's annual income by 10,000 yuan RMB." Norbu Jampel says, "before 2012, it was only 1,700 yuan RMB. In 2016, an asphalted road from Maizhokunggar County to Sangri County opened to traffic, so the income increased to 2,200 yuan RMB. Nowadays, villagers have broadened their horizons, and the number of tourists is increased, so each villager's annual income has increased to 20,000 yuan RMB, among which the income from hot spring tourism reaches 12,600 yuan RMB."

 

 

 

Trinley Norbu, an operator in the duty room, is mainly responsible for registration, charging, booking accommodation and others when he's on shift. "Most guests of the hot spring have suffered from arthritis, especially some elders. Sometimes we help them cook, make tea, and guide them to the pool. For those who have disability certificates, we only charge half of the price." Trinley Norbu says, "I'm also a supervisor of the village Party branch, and receive 5,000 yuan RMB annually. Living such a happy life, that's all benefited from these great policies of the Party."

 

 

 

In addition to the reception spot, family hotel is also a bright spot of Xoiba villagers to increase their income. At present, 14 local households have opened family hotels. 49-year-old Tasang has opened a family hotel since Oct. 2018, which provides accommodation and catering service.

 

"Thanks for the great policy of the Party, the County Tourism Administration provided beds, bedding and other supplies at that time. I didn't spend my own money at all. After running the hotel, all of its income belongs to myself." Tasang says. Her family used to be very poor, but since she has opened family hotel, their income has increased a lot, the life also become more and more hopeful. "Family hotel is the main income source of my family. In the future, when more tourists come, I will consider adding beds to make my hotel more prosperous." She says.

 

Aged Tseji has been staying at Tasang's family hotel for nearly a week, she says, "my joints have been not good since a few years ago, but after bathing in hot spring twice a year, I feel much better now. Tasang is very nice, she cooks and makes tea for me every day. It's very comfortable to live here, so I want to stay a few more days, and I'll stay in her hotel again if I come here next time."