Cross-border tourism and trade have been thriving in Gyirong, a vibrant border town in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region connecting the country with Nepal, bringing cultural exchanges and fostering business between Nepalese and Chinese border residents.
Located in southwestern Xigaze City and bordering Nepal, Gyirong has served since ancient times as one of Xizang's vital corridors for friendly exchanges and trade with the outside world. Today, it also functions as a key transfer station for global travelers journeying from Xizang to Nepal.
"We just stayed there for two days, once going to (Mount) Kailash and then coming back. (Gyirong is a) vibrant place. (It's) very nice and clean," said a foreign traveler headed for Gyirong Port.
The immigration hall at Gyirong Port was recently packed with foreign travelers who had high praise for Xizang and the experiences the region offers.
"(Xizang is) much more beautiful than I expected, and the hotel was really nice, and people are very friendly," said a Russian traveler.
"It's been really nice. It's been very humbling to see them really immersed in their culture and their spiritual practice," an American traveler said.
"I really like Lhasa. I thought Lhasa is really cool. It was very open, very beautiful, people are very cool. It was very enjoyable to walk around, and have food, and put clothes on, and participate in some of the activities in the square as well, which is quite fun," said a British traveler.
Gyirong Town is located 20 kilometers from the China-Nepal border and just 160 kilometers from the Nepali capital, Kathmandu. Nepalese-style storefronts, including shops, restaurants, and cafes, line its busiest street. Many of these businesses are jointly run by Chinese and Nepalese border residents.
Tsewang Nyima, a Nepalese border resident and owner of a shop in the town, explained that she regularly visits Nepal and brings goods back over the border for her partner to sell in China.
Nyima and her business partner, Penpa Drolma, both agree that business has been good as of late. Drolma has also had success incorporating e-commerce into their business model.
"Many Nepalese people don't have access to live streaming, so I assist them in collectively selling products through live streams. Some mothers enjoy purchasing these distinctive Nepalese-style skirts for kids from my shop," said Drolma.
Nepal's trade with China has been increasing significantly in recent years. In 2024, its exports to China surged by over 57 percent, and imports from China grew by more than 34 percent, according to Nepal Rastra Bank figures.
Cross-border tourism, trade thrive at Xizang border town linking China, Nepal
Cross-border tourism, trade thrive at Xizang border town linking China, Nepal
