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The Peach Blossom Village: A Remarkable Transformation in Xizang

Nestled in the scenic region of Xizang, the village of Galai, known as the "first Peach Blossom Village," has undergone an extraordinary transformation over recent years. This metamorphosis has been driven by significant advancements in transportation, tourism, ecology, and local livelihoods, showcasing the region's rapid development over the past sixty years.

In a heartfelt letter addressed to the villagers, China’s President Xi Jinping expressed his joy in witnessing the positive changes in Galai, highlighting the rise in income among rural residents. This correspondence came four years after his visit to the village in July 2021, during which he was captivated by the tidy homes, warm locals, and breathtaking landscapes.

Xi emphasized the cultural symbolism of Galai as the "land of peach blossoms," a metaphor derived from a 5th-century fable by poet Tao Yuanming, representing an idyllic and harmonious community. Each spring, the village blooms with pink and white flowers, drawing tourists from across China and beyond, transforming it into a flourishing tourist destination from what was once a remote settlement.

The Journey of Galai's Transformation

The story of Galai’s transformation is intricately linked to two significant roads: the "Heavenly Road" and the "Road of Prosperity."

The first, the "Heavenly Road," refers to the access routes leading into the snowy plateaus. Before Xizang’s peaceful liberation in 1951, there were no suitable roads for transport. However, the landscape changed dramatically after the completion of the Qinghai-Xizang and Sichuan-Xizang highways in 1954, followed by the opening of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway in 2006. By the end of 2024, the total length of roads in Xizang had nearly doubled since 2012, reaching 124,900 kilometers, while railway mileage also saw remarkable growth.

The second road, the "Road of Prosperity," focuses on economic development. President Xi has shown deep concern for Xizang since his tenure in Fujian Province during the 1990s. Since 1994, a unique pairing assistance mechanism has connected prosperous regions with Xizang to provide ongoing support. In 2011, as Vice President, Xi led a central delegation for the 60th anniversary of Xizang's liberation, encouraging locals to develop tourism and protect the environment.

In Galai, tourism now thrives alongside eco-friendly industries such as organic farming. The village's aesthetic has improved markedly, with a per capita disposable income exceeding 40,000 yuan (around 5,579 USD) by 2024.

A Broader Perspective of Transformation in Xizang

The progress seen in Galai mirrors the broader achievements of the entire Xizang Autonomous Region over the last sixty years since its establishment. The region has enjoyed remarkable economic growth, with its gross domestic product (GDP) reaching 276.5 billion yuan by 2024, a staggering increase of 155 times compared to 1965. Furthermore, it has maintained an impressive annual growth rate of 8.9%, with projections that this year’s GDP will surpass 300 billion yuan.

Urban residents in Xizang saw their disposable income rise to 55,444 yuan in 2024, an increase of 121 times since 1965.

In his letter, President Xi expressed hope that the villagers would continue to protect the stunning natural beauty of the plateau region, enhance the village’s tourism brand, and contribute to building a prosperous and stable border area. His message is a reflection of a broader vision for Xizang, where improving living standards goes hand in hand with preserving the unique ethnic culture and ecology of the region.