A remote village in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has turned its breathtaking surroundings into economic opportunity, drawing in flocks of tourists and boosting incomes through a variety of outdoor adventures.
Jieba Village, meaning "forgotten" in Tibetan, is nestled beside the stunning Basum Tso, a high-altitude lake at 3,700 meters in Gongbujiangda County, Nyingchi City.
Once home to just a handful of family-run guesthouses, it's now a sought-after destination with over 50 boutique homestays to cater to a growing number of tourists.
The upgrading of local businesses has brought tangible benefits for villagers.
"Tourists coming to Jieba Village now have many options. Before the development of tourism, our villagers relied on a mix of farming and herding, with annual income averaging around 1,000 yuan [in 1993]. Now, thanks to tourism, our per capita income is around 29,000 yuan per year. The annual income of our village has exceeded one million yuan," said Luoyang, head of the village.
This transformation began over two decades ago when the local government initiated tourism development. In 2017, Basum Tso was recognized as national 5A-rated natural scenic area, the first in Xizang.
This year, it has embarked on a plan to transform itself into a multifaceted resort destination.
While enjoying view of ancient villages, primeval forests, lush meadows, wetlands, and lakes, visitors can partake in activities like Thangka painting, traditional incense making, and a variety of outdoor adventures.
"We are planning a range of activities according to the needs of holidaymakers, including hiking, camping, rafting, horseback riding, and beach scooters," said Badan Caiwang, director of Gongbujiangda County's culture and tourism department.
Remote village in Xizang taps into lake resources to boost tourism, local incomes
