Sixty years after its founding, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region stands today as a testament to profound change. It shines as a symbol of prosperity, ecological balance and harmonious coexistence between its diverse ethnic groups and the environment.

During a historic visit to Xizang in 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the region's progress firsthand. His journey has now become a focal point for understanding the remarkable improvements in the lives of the people who call Xizang home.

Dawa Gyaltsen: A snapshot of rural transformation

In the remote Galai Village, nestled among the vast highlands, Dawa Gyaltsen and his wife were on a ladder, picking cherries in their front yard.

This was the same family that President Xi Jinping visited in July 2021. Their story exemplifies the tangible changes that have come to Xizang through the Party's policies.

Dawa Gyaltsen picking cherries. /CGTN

In a reply letter sent to the villagers this June, President Xi reflected on their journey, emphasizing the progress they had made and the road ahead.

When President Xi visited in 2021, he commented on the family's happiness, asking what their future aspirations were. In response, Dawa Gyaltsen expressed deep satisfaction with the improving living conditions and the policies that had transformed his life.

"With such good policies from the Party, my life is getting better and better. I'm already very satisfied," he said. His sentiment reflects a broader shift across the region, where people have embraced a better life under the Party's guidance.

Dawa Gyaltsen talks about his current life with CGTN. /CGTN

Dawa Gyaltsen's home may have retained its original decor, but his life has dramatically improved. Today, his children are excelling in school, with their achievements proudly displayed on the walls.

A village built on ecological protection

The village of Galai is renowned for its breathtaking peach blossoms, which draw thousands of visitors every year.

March and April are the peak season, bringing 300,000 tourists to the village and generating an annual income of 14 million yuan (approximately $1.9 million).

This influx of tourism has created job opportunities and improved the livelihoods of the villagers, with each family receiving between 200,000 yuan ($27,800) and 300,000 yuan ($41,700) annually.

Pemba, the Party secretary of Zhenba Village in Nyingchi, shares how rural revitalization efforts have been centered around developing local industries, such as peach farming and tourism. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to build on these foundations, making industries bigger and stronger, while simultaneously protecting the region's unique ecological environment.

"Our rural revitalization has relied on developing local industries. Going forward, we will continue to build on this foundation to make them bigger and stronger. At the same time, our main focus will be on protecting the wild peach trees and safeguarding every aspect of our ecological environment," Pemba explains.

This strategy of balancing economic development with environmental conservation is at the heart of Xizang's success.

Yani National Wetland Park: A symbol of ecological protection

The Yani National Wetland Park, located at the confluence of the Yarlung Zangbo River and the Nyang River in Nyingchi, is a key area for ecological preservation.

It was the first stop during President Xi's 2021 visit to Xizang, and it remains a symbol of the region's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Yani National Wetland Park. /CGTN

During his visit, President Xi described the Yarlung Zangbo River system as a "green lung" for the region. He noted that while the river system provides vital ecological services, its ecosystem is fragile and must be protected.

"In both its protection and use, priority must be given to preservation," he stressed.

The Yani National Wetland Park is a prime example of the Party's dedication to preserving Xizang's natural resources. The region's ecosystems are not only vital to local communities but also to the broader ecological health of the planet.

As President Xi emphasized, setting clear urban growth boundaries and strict ecological protection red lines is essential for safeguarding the future of Xizang's environment.

Ethnic unity and national rejuvenation

President Xi has long highlighted the importance of ethnic unity in Xizang.

In his 2021 remarks, he underscored that the 56 ethnic groups in China are part of a single Chinese national community. The prosperity and stability of Xizang, he explained, depend on strengthening this unity and following the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

"The 56 ethnic groups, together, form one Chinese national community. As long as we work with one heart, strengthen ethnic unity, follow the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and stay committed to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, we will surely achieve the great goal of national rejuvenation as scheduled," said President Xi.

This vision of national rejuvenation is not just about economic growth but about creating a harmonious society where people of all ethnic backgrounds can thrive together. It is about building a future where the achievements of today are sustained for generations to come.

A harmonious future

As Xizang moves forward into the future, the region's story is one of hope, resilience and progress. Xizang has embraced a path that intertwines ecological protection, cultural preservation and the well-being of its people.

In reflecting on the progress made over the past six decades, it is clear that the people of Xizang have forged a new chapter in their history. With the continued implementation of the Party's policies, they are poised to continue flourishing, nurturing a future that blends modernity with the region's rich cultural heritage.