A corner of Gala Village. By Liu Feng

Villagers of Gala Village enjoying the flowers. By Huang Haifen

Tourists visiting Gala Village. By Tenzin Shetan

Villagers of Gala Village harvesting rapeseed. By Liu Feng

Villagers of Gala Village picking peaches. By Huang Haifen

Tourists taking photos in Gala Village. By Pema Tsewang

Recently, General Secretary Xi Jinping replied to a letter from all the villagers of Gala Village, Linzhi Town, Bayi District, Nyingchi City, expressing his hope that they would safeguard national unity and create an even happier and more prosperous life. Four years ago, in July 2021, during his inspection tour of Xizang, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Gala Village to greet and encourage the villagers.

Nestled along the beautiful Nyang River, Gala Village is renowned as Xizang's "No. 1 Peach Blossom Village." Every March and April, over 270 acres of wild peach blossoms burst into bloom, attracting countless tourists to this "Shangri-La."

Following General Secretary Xi Jinping's guidance, Gala Village has achieved new successes in recent years by developing rural tourism, expanding collective economies, and promoting national unity, earning honors such as the "National Model Collective for National Unity and Progress."

"Our good life today is a gift from the General Secretary and the Party Central Committee, brought by our beautiful environment and ecology, and also made possible by the tourists who visit from all over the country," said Tseyang, who runs a family guesthouse in the village. "Our doors are open to welcome all guests to Gala Village!"

Speaking of the changes over the years, village Party secretary Penpa recounted with pride: "Thanks to the rural revitalization strategy and the hard work of everyone, we've gone from buckets to tap water, oil lamps to electric lights, dirt roads to asphalt roads—our living conditions have improved dramatically. The changes are nothing short of remarkable!"

In recent years, Gala Village has developed its "peach blossom economy," leveraging tourism and related industries to build a rural tourism sector centered around the Peach Blossom Spring scenic area. The village has also established sightseeing and fruit-picking gardens, enhancing the "Peach Blossom Village" brand. Additionally, the village formed a farmers' transport team to participate in major construction projects, steadily growing the collective economy and increasing villagers' incomes. Locals are now enjoying the benefits of the "ecological economy" and walking the path to prosperity.

"Busy—but with purpose!" said villager Dawa Gyaltsen when describing life in recent years. "The village roads are wider, the scenery more beautiful, and the crowds livelier. Our incomes keep rising, and life keeps getting better. In 2024 alone, my family received over 100,000 yuan (RMB) in dividends. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the General Secretary and the Party's good policies!"

"Following the North Star keeps you from losing your way; following the CPC leads to happiness." This sentiment, expressed by Gala Village villagers in their letter to the General Secretary, is the path to happiness they have consistently embraced.

As the Nyang River flows gently, Gala Village thrives in the lush greenery of midsummer. The village's happy and prosperous life is a vivid example of Xizang's cadres and masses implementing  General Secretary Xi Jinping's important directives, as well as a testament to the socioeconomic achievements made since the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region 60 years ago.

"A happy life is earned through hard work." Keeping General Secretary Xi Jinping's words in mind, the villagers of Gala Village are united, grateful, and forging ahead. Their path to happiness will undoubtedly grow even wider.

Reporters: Xie Xiaochun, Wang Shan, Liu Feng

Translator: Liu Fang

Review: Purbu Tsering, Dong Xiuli