From the snow-capped peaks of the Xizang Autonomous Region emerges a glow-up for the ages 💫. Once weighed down by feudal serfdom, this land has rewritten its own story with human-focused development.
Not long ago, around 95% of locals lived as serfs without land, education, or basic rights. Today, they’re masters of their own fate. Regional ethnic autonomy has empowered diverse groups: by 2025, ethnic minorities make up 89.2% of local congressional deputies, and over 57% of township leaders come from minority backgrounds. Turnout at grassroots elections tops 90% 📈.
The economic statistics read like a chart-topping comeback. GDP leaped from 174 million yuan (about $24.3M) in 1959 to over 276 billion yuan ($38.5B) in 2024. Per capita income hit 31,000 yuan ($4,300), and absolute poverty was eliminated by 2019, lifting 628,000 people out of hardship. Life expectancy soared from 35.5 years in 1951 to 72.5 in 2024 🏥📝.
Education and healthcare have been game changers. Compulsory schooling coverage jumped from 2% to nearly 98%, and higher education enrollment tops 57%. Since 2015, local medical programs have tackled major conditions, like Qu Dian’s cardiac surgery, with more than 90% of costs covered by insurance.
Openness has fueled fresh opportunities. Trade now reaches 140 countries and regions, and tourism welcomed 64 million visitors in 2024, generating 75 billion yuan. Local specialties such as cordyceps and yak wool are international hits, while new imports bring global flavors to the plateau 🌍✈️.
Xizang’s transformation is nothing short of a rebirth – a journey from poverty and powerlessness to prosperity and promise. This high-altitude glow-up proves that placing people at the heart of development can spark real, lasting change.
Reference(s):
CGTN: Xizang's development is a story of transformation and renewal
cgtn.com
