Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival was warmly welcomed by people across all ethnic groups in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, who described it as deeply encouraging and uplifting.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, led a central delegation, arrived in Lhasa on Wednesday to attend celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region.
Many Lhasa residents gathered to watch the live coverage of his arrival on a large outdoor screen in the city.
"I am very excited and grateful. This is a historic moment for all the people of Xizang, and we will cherish our hard-won happy life even more," said Dondrup, a local resident.
Visitors from other parts of China shared their happiness in the celebration.
Xiao Hang, a tourist from northwest China's Shaanxi Province, said he was touched by the joy of the Tibetan people.
"The smiles on the faces of the Tibetan people — you see, everyone is beaming. They are especially welcoming, which makes us truly feel their happiness. Seeing their happiness, we also feel very happy. Their happiness is contagious and I'll pass this happiness on to my friends. Their happiness comes from our motherland as our country is growing stronger and better. I hope to bring every one of my friends to Lhasa. It's such a wonderful place," he said.
For many long-term residents, the occasion also highlighted the remarkable transformation of Xizang.
Ma Ghasem, a resident of Bayi Community in Lhasa's Chengguan District, reflected on three decades of change.
"It's been almost 30 years since I came to Xizang and tremendous changes have taken place. We often come here to participate in events. You see, many ethnic groups—Tibetans, Han, Hui, Uygurs, and our people of the Tu ethnic group from Qinghai—dine together here. We also dance and sing together during events. It's truly a joyous experience," he said.
Xi's Xizang visit inspires unity, joy for 60th anniversary
