China's Xizang Autonomous Region is scripting a new chapter of high-quality development with remarkable economic growth driven by industrial upgrading, culture and tourism development as well as sci-tech innovation.
In the first half of 2025, the economic and social development of Xizang demonstrated strong vitality. The region's gross domestic product (GDP) reached over 138.27 billion yuan (about 19.25 billion U.S. dollars), a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase. The growth rate has ranked among the top in the country for several consecutive quarters. People's livelihood in the region has continued to improve, with the per capita disposable income of all residents increasing by 7.6 percent year on year. Advantageous industries in Xizang such as green mining and clean energy are also developing rapidly. From January to June, over 32.18 million visitors flocked to Xizang, generating tourism revenue of over 31.5 billion yuan.
Over the years, Xizang has been making leaps in economic development.
In Shannan City, home to the world's highest-altitude Comai Trigu Wind Farm, the first turbine has been installed, poised to provide electricity for 120,000 households upon completion.
In the Ngari Prefecture, known as the roof of the World's Roof, the second phase of the Darchen International Town has been completed, and the cultural and tourism industry has brought new development opportunities to the local herdsmen.
In Shigatse City, technological empowerment has transformed highland barley from a "plateau staple" to a "wealth-generating industry." The premium quality and high nutritional value of highland barley make it a popular choice, even reaching eastern city of Shanghai, as highland barley bread.
"Every year, we receive various subsidies for growing highland barley, which provides a sense of security for the locals. Following the general secretary's directive -- increasing food production through better farmland management and the application of technology, we aim to secure and advance the cultivation of highland barley to achieve prosperity," said Phurbu Doje, a highland barley agricultural technician.
Meanwhile, continuous improvement in infrastructure is solidifying the region's foundations of development.
By the end of 2024, Xizang's road network spanned 124,900 kilometers, while railway operations covered 1,359 kilometers. A total of 183 international and domestic air routes is working as aerial golden bridge, connecting Xizang closely with the world.
"The general secretary's caring guidance and crucial instructions have outlined the direction for us to build up Xizang's transportation network. The beautiful vision of people enjoying travel and goods flowing freely will soon become a reality on the snowy plateau," said Tenpa Wangyel, deputy director of Xizang's Department of Transportation.
In 2024, the per capita disposable income of urban residents and farmers and herdsmen in Xizang reached 55,444 yuan and 21,578 yuan respectively, marking a significant increase from 1965 by 121 and 199 times.
It took 50 years for Xizang to achieve its first 100 billion yuan GDP milestone, but merely six years for the second 100 billion. The region is expected to surpass 300 billion yuan in GDP this year.
China’s Xizang strides towards prosperity with remarkable economic growth
