In the shadow of Lhasa's Potala Palace, Tulku Koondhor, the Living Buddha of Galden Jampaling Monastery, opens up about his return to Xizang.
Born in the region but leaving at age seven, he spent years abroad before choosing to come back ten years ago. Recently, our reporter Cen Ziyuan sat down with him in Lhasa to learn how life has evolved in today's Xizang.
"When I returned, I was amazed by the new high-speed rail 🚄 connecting Lhasa to the Chinese mainland," he says. "Modern bridges and roads have linked remote towns, making travel and trade easier for residents."
He also highlights a cultural revival: festivals like the Shoton Festival draw young people to celebrate Tibetan opera and yogurt offerings under the open sky. "Digital platforms now let artisans sell thangkas worldwide," he adds, noting a boom in online marketplaces.
Education and heritage go hand in hand. Local schools have expanded Tibetan language programs, and historic monasteries are under careful restoration, blending ancient art with modern techniques.
"Xizang's spirit is as strong as ever," Tulku Koondhor reflects, smiling. "Seeing young voices embrace our traditions alongside innovation fills me with hope for the future." 😊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
