LHASA, July 20 : Dressed in vibrant outfits, Li Xiaochao and her daughter beamed at the camera, joyfully exclaiming, \u201cWe\u2019re at Namtso, and we\u2019re so excited!\u201d The dazzling blue lake shimmered behind them, framed by the snow-capped Mount Nyainqentanglha.<\/p>\n
Located in southwest China\u2019s Xizang Autonomous Region, Namtso Lake is regarded by Tibetans as the \u201cheavenly lake.\u201d Standing at an elevation of 4,718 meters, it is the highest saltwater lake in the world.<\/p>\n
Traveling all the way from Cangzhou in north China\u2019s Hebei Province, Li and her group spent the past week exploring some of Xizang\u2019s most famous landmarks, including the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, the Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon, and the Mount Qomolangma scenic area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is actually my second time in Xizang, and my first visit was back in 2008,\u201d Li said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe changes over the past 17 years have been incredible. The development here has been rapid, the locals are as warm and welcoming as ever, and the infrastructure has improved tremendously. Even after all these years, my experience this time has been just as wonderful,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, Namtso Lake attracted 5.11 million domestic and international tourists between 2014 and 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs of mid-July this year, we have welcomed about 150,000 tourists,\u201d said Zhang Longquan, chairman of the Namtso Lake scenic area protection and development company, noting that the company\u2019s revenue has boosted local livelihoods by creating jobs, such as hiring herdsmen to provide horses and yaks for tourists, and by distributing dividends to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI earn about 9,000 yuan (about 1,259 U.S. dollars) per month without having to work far from home,\u201d said Sigya, 26, a resident of a nearby village.<\/p>\n
To better protect the lake\u2019s ecosystem, the company has upgraded the surrounding infrastructure, including introducing eco-friendly public toilets and electric sightseeing buses. \u201cWildlife diversity in the area has significantly increased in recent years,\u201d Zhang said.<\/p>\n
About 500 km away, the Sapukonglagabo Mountain scenic area in Biru County, Nagqu City, is famous for its magnificent snow-capped mountains, spectacular glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Its main peak soars to nearly 7,000 meters above sea level.<\/p>\n
Wang Liming and her family, who have been on a road trip through several provinces, arrived at the scenic area on Saturday.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite the challenges of altitude sickness, the stunning landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau always leave us in awe. The climate here is wonderful and the intangible cultural heritage performances by Tibetan artists are truly unique,\u201d said Wang, who comes from northeast China\u2019s Liaoning Province. \u201cThe exhaustion of the long drive was absolutely worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drolma, a local resident of Biru County, spent her weekend picnicking with family in the scenic area. \u201cWe are so happy to see more tourists from home and abroad visiting Xizang. Many locals have jumped on the tourism bandwagon, increasing their incomes as the industry grows,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as \u2018world\u2019s third pole,\u2019 spans vast regions including Xizang and Qinghai Province, boasting unique natural resources and magnificent landscapes that have long captivated global travelers,\u201d said Luo Hui, an associate researcher of the China Tibetology Research Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn recent years, the central government and local authorities in Xizang have vigorously promoted the high-quality development of the tourism industry. Through measures such as introducing supportive policies, creating distinctive tourism brands, and optimizing diverse travel routes, they are striving to make the region a world-class tourist destination,\u201d Luo added.<\/p>\n
In the first half of this year, Xizang saw 31.28 million tourist visits, up 11.67 percent year on year, according to the regional culture and tourism department. Of the total, inbound tourist arrivals surged 31.2 percent to 196,400.<\/p>\n
Tourism revenue in the region totaled 31.55 billion yuan in the same period, marking a 10.18 percent year-on-year increase.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LHASA, July 20 : Dressed in vibrant outfits, Li Xiaochao and her daughter beamed at the camera, joyfully exclaiming, \u201cWe\u2019re at Namtso, and we\u2019re so excited!\u201d The dazzling blue lake shimmered behind them, framed by the snow-capped Mount Nyainqentanglha. Located in southwest China\u2019s Xizang Autonomous […]<\/p>\n
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