Recently, following a mudslide triggered by an ice-rock avalanche on Langtang Lirung Peak in Nepal, some foreign media outlets groundlessly claimed a "rising overall risk" in Xizang tourism, making irresponsible remarks about Xizang's tourism industry. On-site visits by Xizang Daily reporters found that key scenic areas across Xizang are operating normally with sound safety and order. Sources familiar with the matter noted that occasional extreme geological disasters in isolated areas have not significantly impacted tourism safety across the entire region.

As the core landmark of Xizang, the Potala Palace has long served as a "barometer" of tourism. On September 10, the reporter logged onto the "Potala Palace Ticket Booking System" mini-program and attempted to reserve tickets for the Potala Palace's route one within the following 15 days - all showed "sold out." The "hard-to-book"situation has persisted since the summer holiday.

Meanwhile, during visits to major scenic spots including Barkhor Street, Norbulingka, Basum Tso Lake and Yamdrok Lake in Lhasa, reporters observed that roads to and around these sites were open, safety facilities were well-maintained, tourists were touring in an orderly manner, and tourism services were running smoothly.

On an early autumn evening, Barkhor Street in the ancient city was bustling with visitors - some strolling through the alleys, others posing for photos, and still others browsing cultural and creative products. Zhang Yan from Qujing, Yunnan Province, was traveling to Xizang by self-drive with his family. His wife happily had a photo shoot in traditional Tibetan attire, fulfilling a long-held wish.

Shannan, known as the cradle of the Tibetan ethnic group, boasts rich historical, natural and cultural attractions such as Yumbulagang, Yamdrok Lake and the Lhagari Royal Palace, making it one of the major Xizang tourism destinations for domestic and international visitors. Chen Xingbi, deputy director of the Shannan Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, said that currently, all major scenic areas in Shannan have good access conditions and are maintaining normal operations. From August 26 to September 4, the Yamdrok Lake scenic area received 9,224 visitors, up 4.12% year on year; Samye scenic area saw a year-on-year increase of 116.26%; and Yumbulagang scenic area recorded a year-on-year growth of 30.44 %.

The Basum Tso Lakescenic area in Gongbogyamda County, Nyingchi City, one of Xizang's 5A-level scenic areas, remains highly popular, receiving an average of over 2,000 visitors per day recently. From August 26 to September 4, the scenic area received 15,485 visitor trips, up 6% compared with the same period in 2025. Ms. Li from Shanghai and her friend enjoyed the beautiful mountain and lake scenery here. She said that after seeing news about the Gyirong mudslide, she had been concerned about safety during her trip to Xizang, but after experiencing it firsthand, she found the entire journey both safe and reassuring.

At the Norbulingka scenic area, a visitor from Chicago, the United States, was posing for photos with friends. He said that during his two days in Xizang, he had experienced the beautiful scenery, clean air and the warmth and simplicity of the local people. "What we have seen with our own eyes is a safe, civilized and friendly Xizang. We are not worried about safety at all."

Mr. Zhang from Heilongjiang Province and his wife were resting in a pavilion, recording moments of their journey with a pocket camera. Asked whether they had any concerns following the recent mudslides, he said: "Now the scenic area's support measures are increasingly well-developed. We are not worried about safety."

In the remote Yumdo area of Cuona City, Shannan, Zhao Huafang, a seasoned hiker from Shanghai, was trekking at Palung Tso Lake at the foot of Mount Kula Kangri when she encountered geological survey workers monitoring glacier activity. She said that monitoring equipment has been installed on glaciers in major scenic areas across Xizang.

Zhu Minghui, deputy director of the Gongbogyamda County Culture and Tourism Bureau, said that the local government has established a sound risk early-warning and response mechanism, carrying out routine road inspections, safety reminders and visitor flow management to ensure tourist safety in all respects. In response to the characteristics of the flood season, the Basum Tso scenic area has increased the frequency of patrols in key areas such as the lakeside boardwalks and boat docks.

Some interviewees said that without investigation, there is no right to speak. Some overseas media outlets and individuals, thousands of miles away, tap out claims of "rising risk" on their keyboards - which is nothing but armchair strategizing. "To deny the overall tourism environment because of an isolated disaster is to give up eating for fear of choking."

Reporters: Sun Kaiyuan, Zheng Lu, Wang Shan

Translator: Zheng Yujie

First Review: Zhi Xinghua

Second Review: Drakpa Wangchen

Third Review: Hu Rongguo