Tourists visit the ancient Barkhor Street in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]
The Xizang autonomous region recorded a sharp rise in tourism this year, welcoming nearly 70 million domestic and international visitors from January to November, according to official figures.
During those 11 months, Xizang generated 79.84 billion yuan ($11.35 billion) in tourism revenue, Xizang Daily reported.
Authorities have expanded the region's tourism offerings. From January to October, surveys identified more than 58,000 tourism resources, including over 31,700 newly discovered or newly recognized sites. During the same period, 19 high-quality scenic areas, four regional-level tourism resorts, and 14 national 4A-rated tourist attractions were added.
Tourists visit the ancient Barkhor Street in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]
Cultural tourism remained a key focus. The Blooming Gesang Flower program staged 1,080 performances at major scenic sites, while events like Xizang's traditional costume culture week and culinary showcase attracted large audiences. A regional e-sports and anime-themed tourism week generated online and offline sales of more than 7.5 million combined, it reported.
In addition, the region expanded its global reach by organizing 15 cultural delegations abroad and hosting over 180 international travel agents from 18 countries. Through 18 boutique travel routes and 25 special tourism trains, Xizang welcomed 62,147 inbound tourists from 7,929 group tours.
Tourists visit the ancient Barkhor Street in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]
Tourists visit the ancient Barkhor Street in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]
A distant view of the Potala Palace from the Lhalu Wetland in the heart of Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]
