Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region received 2.3812 million tourists from home and abroad from January 28 to February 4 and logged total tourism spending of 1.945 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 16.56 percent and 13.68 percent, respectively, according to latest statistics provided by the regional department of culture and tourism.

As Lhasa became one of four sub-venues for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, and thanks to series of preferential policies for "Winter Tour in Xizang", Xizang experienced a great surge in tourism. The tourism boom in Lhasa, Wuhan, Chongqing, and Wuxi continues to heat up after the stunning debut of these four sub-venues of the Spring Festival Gala. Among them, the search popularity of Lhasa at one point saw a month-on-month growth of over 100 percent. Data shows that Lhasa received 1.952 million tourists during this period, a year-on year increase of 20.6 percent, achieving a total tourism revenue of 1.758 billion yuan, up 14.75 percent year-on-year. And the Potala Palace scenic area received 29,549 tourists, a year-on-year increase of 69 percent.

To ensure that citizens and tourists enjoy a joyful, harmonious, healthy, and safe Spring Festival, Lhasa focused on holiday culture and tourism consumption by enriching various cultural activities to add warm "New Year atmosphere". On the first two days of the holiday, Lhasa ranked first in online reception among all regions in Xizang, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the total, with the number of online receptions increasing by 16% compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, Lhasa held activities such as intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and New Year goods fairs at places like Shenli Shidai Square and Dzongyab Lukhang Park, actively creating a festive atmosphere. Moreover, a series of cultural and artistic events were held at Potala Palace Square, with culture and tourism consultation and photo-taking areas set up, attracting over 17,000 people. Libraries and museums at all levels remained open, and counties (districts) continuously held various cultural activities as well, such as village evening gala and opera performance in rural areas, totaling 148 events and benefiting over 51,000 people.

During the holiday, Ngari Prefecture received over 23,700 tourists, generating revenue of 9.6886 million yuan, with year-on-year increases of 57.09 percent and 37.7 percent, respectively.

The booming tourism market also drives the development of related industries such as hotels, catering, and homestays in the Ngari. Restaurants were fully booked, with a thriving business. Many local residents increased their income by participating in tourism services. "In the past, it was off-season for tourism in winter, and business was relatively slow. Now, our income has increased significantly with more tourists received, and life is becoming more promising!" Said restaurant owner Sonam Dorje with a smile on his face.

Ngari Prefecture will continue to tap the potential of tourism resources, improve tourism service quality, and create more attractive tourism products, allowing more tourists to experience the unique charm of this mysterious land and promote the sustainable and healthy development of the culture and tourism industry.

Reporter: Xiao Yong, Lu Wenjing, Liu Linlin, Yongqing, Tamdrin, Losang Tenzin

Translator: Luo Rongting, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Drakpa Wangchen