Xizang post office brings 60 years of regional heritage to life through stamps, stories

The "Heavenly Xizang" Post Office in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, serves as both a tourist hotspot and a cultural bridge, where commemorative stamps and heartfelt postcards narrate 60 years of the region's rich heritage and aspirations.

This allure was heightened with the introduction of three commemorative stamps celebrating the Xizang region's 60th anniversary, each telling a unique story of unity, ecology, and progress.

The first batch of these stamps sold out quickly after their launch last Friday.

"The first stamp is named 'United to Pursue Dreams.' It mainly features the symbol of the 60th anniversary and showcases the amity among all ethnic groups in our autonomous region," said Lhazeng Qudren, a clerk at the post office.

The second stamp, 'Enchanting Snowland,' showcases Mount Qomolangma and the region's protected ecological systems, emphasizing ongoing preservation efforts.

The third stamp, 'Blissful Plateau,' depicts a vibrant panorama of modern Xizang, featuring elements such as a museum, local dwellings, high-speed railways, and water conservancy projects.

In addition, an area offering around 200 different types of postcards has become the busiest spot in the post office, attracting visitors from near and far to write down their thoughts, feelings, and good wishes to friends, relatives, or even to themselves in the future.

"This area is one of the most popular and the busiest here, with about 200 different types of postcards. Most of them feature the unique scenic spots and buildings in Xizang," said Lhazeng Qudren.

"I write good wishes to myself on the postcard. This is the very first time I come to Xizang," said Zeng Xin, a tourist.

"My close friend is getting married. I sent my blessings to her. It's really meaningful," said Wang Xinping, another tourist.

"I just graduated and came here with my classmates. I write a letter to myself three years from now, also hoping to achieve further academic excellence. I am lucky and happy to travel to Xizang at its 60th founding anniversary," said Zhao Zhihao, a tourist.

Xizang post office brings 60 years of regional heritage to life through stamps, stories

China's research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, departed Christchurch, New Zealand for the 42nd Antarctic Expedition on Thursday after completing resupply operations.

The vessel arrived at New Zealand's Lyttelton Port Sunday evening.

During its stay in Lyttelton, the vessel took on 1,200 tons of light oil and replenished supplies including vegetables, fruits, and fresh water.

The light oil will be brought to China's Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, exclusively for fixed-wing aircraft.

Thirty four new crew members boarded the ship in Lyttelton to commence oceanographic operations.

The supplies of fruit, vegetables and other food items include not only items for the Xuelong crew but are also destined for the Qinling Station.

"The Qinling Station has a longer overwintering period, so they will run out of fruits later in the season. To better support their daily needs, we've replenished large quantities of green vegetables, fruits, beverages, as well as beef and mutton," said Li Donghui, the service team leader of the Xuelong vessel.

During its port call, the Xuelong also completed a freshwater replenishment of approximately 600 tons. The freshwater is primarily for drinking and kitchen use, serving as vital daily supplies for the expedition team during their subsequent fieldwork.

China's Xuelong icebreaker leaves New Zealand for Antarctic expedition after replenishment