During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), Xizang has firmly advanced the goal of becoming a national ecological civilization highland, prioritizing environmental protection and green development. The region is steadily turning its "lucid waters and lush mountains" into tangible economic gains.

Today, more than half of Xizang’s land area falls within ecological conservation zones, while protected natural areas account for 37.95% of its territory. It has also become China’s first province-level region where all prefecture-level cities have been designated as national ecological civilization demonstration zones. A healthy environment has become both a public good and a defining hallmark of the region.

From barren hills to green barriers

"Back then, the mountains were bare, the valleys deep, and we had to climb slopes wherever we went," recalled Tsering Tashi, a villager from Ceqogling Village in Lhasa, pointing to the now-green northern mountain. "Who would’ve thought these barren hills could turn lush in just five years?"

The turnaround began in 2021 with the launch of the North–South Mountains Greening Project—part of a broader push for afforestation and ecological security. Over five years, workers hauled saplings across rocky, high-altitude terrain, enduring thin air and dry conditions to bring life back to the mountains. By July this year, the project had planted trees across 1.0793 million mu (about 71,953 hectares), creating over 9 million job opportunities for locals and boosting their income by more than 2.9 billion yuan.

"I never believed trees could grow on these bald mountains," Tsering Tashi said with a smile. "Now the air even feels fresher." Inspired by the change, many villagers have begun planting trees and flowers around their homes. Some run homestays or restaurants—proof that "green mountains can indeed feed the people."

Southern mountain’s transformation is a microcosm of Xizang’s ecological progress. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, Xizang’s forest coverage rate has risen to 12.31%. In 2024, the proportion of days with good air quality reached 99.7%, and 100% of major rivers and lakes met or exceeded Grade III water quality standards—ranking among the best in China. Over 1,072 terrestrial vertebrate species, including snow leopards and Tibetan antelopes, thrive here, blending "beautiful villages" seamlessly into the natural world.

From green power to green empowerment

Xizang is also harnessing its natural advantages to build a clean-energy-powered economy. With low sulfur, low humidity, and low temperatures, the region has drawn over 2,700 digital enterprises to the Lhasa High-Tech Zone. By 2026, Xizang’s total computing power is expected to reach 100 PFLOPS, supported by a "1+2+3" regional computing network covering Lhasa, Nyingchi, Qamdo, Xigaze, Nagqu, and Ngari.

Underpinning this digital growth is a robust clean energy supply. By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Xizang’s installed power capacity reached 10.39 million kilowatts, with clean sources accounting for over 99% of total generation—the highest share in China. Hydropower, wind, and solar energy flow steadily across the grid, energizing the digital sector and supporting China's dual carbon goals.

The concept of green development has also taken root in Xizang. Since 2021, it has nurtured 17 national-level green factories and 1 green industrial park. In 2024, 404 products—including green food, organic agricultural products, and geographical indication products—have earned the "Xizang-brand" a reputation for "green and organic" quality.

From ecological protection to prosperity sharing

Xizang is also leveraging eco-tourism and specialty farming to turn ecological protection into better lives. Take Gala Village as an example: home to just 33 households and 149 residents, it now welcomes more than 110,000 tourists a year.

"Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets; protecting the ecology means safeguarding our livelihoods," said Penpa, secretary of the village Party branch. Locals have joined hands to build agricultural complexes, grow the collective economy, and make the "Peach Blossom Village" brand widely known.

Tourism is energizing the wider economy. In 2024, Xizang received over 63.89 million domestic and international visitors, generating 74.6 billion yuan in revenue—up 15.8% and 14.5% year-on-year, respectively. This growing appeal reflects the powerful blend of ecological beauty and cultural richness.

Beyond Gala Village, Xizang’s green development model is delivering real benefits. It creates over 500,000 ecological jobs annually and promotes eco-tourism and forest-based industries—raising incomes for farmers and herders while injecting lasting momentum into social and economic development.

From re-greening barren hills to powering a digital boom, from blooming peach blossoms to clean energy leadership—Xizang has built an impressive environmental record during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Looking ahead, the region will continue to strengthen its ecological achievements and raise green development to new heights. This path of ecological revival is becoming a road to prosperity for all 3.7 million Xizang residents.