Galai: The Peach Blossom Village Symbolizing Tibet's Transformation

Located in the heart of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Galai has earned the nickname "first village of peach blossoms," showcasing a remarkable transformation over recent decades. This village has emerged as a flourishing tourist destination, drawing visitors both domestically and from abroad while celebrating ecological conservation and a rising standard of living among its inhabitants.

A Letter from the President

In a recent letter addressed to the villagers of Galai, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his happiness regarding the village's recent improvements and the increase in local incomes. Villagers had previously written to Xi, detailing their achievements and their commitment to further enhancing their living conditions. This heartfelt correspondence comes four years after the President's visit during an inspection tour in July 2021, where he was captivated by the village's refreshed homes, friendly residents, and scenic landscape.

Xi Jinping referred to Galai as a "blessing from your ancestors, a gift from the 'land of peach blossoms.'" This phrase holds significant meaning in Chinese culture, alluding to a utopian, harmonious community—a metaphor that traces back to a famous fable by the poet Tao Yuanming from the 5th century. As Galai transforms each spring into a picturesque display of pink and white blossoms, it has shifted from an isolated settlement to a thriving center for tourism.

The Journey of Transformation

The transformation story of Galai traces back to two pivotal "paths." The first is the "sky road" that leads to the snow-capped plateau. Before the peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1951, there were no proper roads suitable for vehicles. The construction of the Qinghai-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet highways in 1954, followed by the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet railway in 2006, changed this narrative.

Over the past decades, the road network of the Tibet Autonomous Region has nearly doubled. By the end of 2024, it had reached approximately 124,900 kilometers compared to just 65,200 kilometers in 2012. Additionally, the region boasts 1,359 kilometers of operational railways—an increase from 701 kilometers in 2012—and 183 airline routes connecting it with 78 domestic and international cities.

The second path is the "road to prosperity," featuring economic development. Xi Jinping has shown a long-term interest in the Tibet Autonomous Region since the 1990s, when he worked in Fujian Province. At that time, Fujian and Ningthri established a close partnership under a unique Chinese support mechanism initiated in 1994 to provide ongoing aid to Tibetan regions from more developed provinces.

In 2011, while serving as vice president, Xi led a central delegation to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of the Tibet Autonomous Region. During his visit, he urged locals to develop tourism while preserving the environment and cultural heritage of the region in Galai.

Today, tourism in Galai flourishes alongside ecological developments such as organic farming. Remarkably, the average income in the village exceeded 40,000 yuan (approximately $5,579) per person in 2024.

A Reflection of Tibet's Broader Success

The evolution of Galai mirrors Tibet's broader accomplishments over the six decades since the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The regional economy has steadily grown, peaking at a GDP of 276.5 billion yuan in 2024, representing a staggering 155 times the figure from 1965, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%. It is projected that the GDP will surpass 300 billion yuan later this year. Furthermore, the disposable income per urban resident reached 55,444 yuan in 2024, which is 121 times higher than in 1965, accompanied by an average annual growth of 8.5%.

In his letter, Xi Jinping expressed the hope that Galai's residents would continue their efforts to protect the natural beauty of the plateau, enhance the village's tourism brand, and contribute to developing a prosperous and stable border region. His message reflects a broader vision for Tibet, wherein improved living conditions are intertwined with the preservation of unique ethnic cultures and the ecology of the region.