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Galai Village: A Blossoming Journey to Prosperity

Nestled in the southeastern Xizang region, Galai Village, known as "Peach Blossom Village," transforms each spring when the landscape bursts into vibrant peach blooms. These stunning natural spectacles attract visitors who come to witness the harmonious blend of pink blossoms and fields of bright rapeseed flowers. Once a struggling mountain village, Galai has transformed into a thriving tourist destination, exemplifying how local communities can rise through collective effort and strategic planning.

A Humble Beginning

Many years ago, Galai Village was largely unknown, suffering from economic difficulties with limited farmland and pasture for livestock. The villagers depended on a small peach forest that covered only about 82 acres, home to ancient trees that were often overharvested for financial survival. The logging practices not only endangered the village's culture and history but also began to degrade the surrounding ecosystem.

The turning point came in 1998 when a group of tourists discovered the village, igniting a spark of potential among the residents to develop a tourism-based economy. However, progress was slow. At that time, the village lacked proper infrastructure; rudimentary stone walls surrounded the peach orchard, waste produced by livestock polluted the area, and the village could barely accommodate visitors. By 2011, tourist revenue was stagnant, totaling less than 50,000 yuan annually. The villagers were determined to shift towards a peach blossom economy, but turning this vision into reality proved challenging.

Significant Changes with Support

In 2014, an opportunity presented itself. With the support of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its initiatives focused on assisting the Xizang region, teams from Guangdong Province arrived to aid Galai Village. They spearheaded critical infrastructure projects, meticulously improving the area surrounding the orchard. They leveled roads, erected walking paths, built gazebos, and established an irrigation system that spans 1.7 km.

These renovations opened the door for a bustling tourism industry. During the peach blossom season of the previous year, ticket sales alone generated an impressive 3.7 million yuan. The optimism among villagers blossomed alongside the peach trees. To secure diverse income streams, they cultivated fruit-picking orchards and developed local transport services. Villager Dawa Gyaltsen, who began working in transportation, noted a significant uptick in his annual income, now reaching around 100,000 yuan alongside dividends from ticket sales— an extraordinary shift from years past.

A New Era for Families

Nyima Dorje, a lifelong resident of Galai, vividly recalls his family's struggles. In the past, his parents transported baskets of peaches to sell, earning meager sums, all while living in a deteriorated bungalow plagued by pests and leaks. Today, thanks to improved village infrastructure and a commitment to rural revitalization, Nyima's family enjoys a modern, Tibetan-style two-story home, complete with running water, reliable electricity, and internet access.

Galai Village's transformation reflects broader social and economic advancements across the Xizang Autonomous Region over the past 60 years. This journey illustrates how investments in infrastructure and support from government policies can elevate communities from the depths of poverty to sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, President Xi Jinping has acknowledged these remarkable improvements, expressing his joy in the progress made by the villagers.

A Path Forward

As the “blossom-lined road” continues to expand, an ongoing connection between Galai Village and the outside world is reinforced. The development paths pursued by the local residents have paved the way for future opportunities and common development for all. Today, the story of Galai is more than a tale of natural beauty; it’s about resilience, community, and the blossoming possibilities that await with each season.

In conclusion, Galai Village serves as an inspiring model of how ecological conservation combined with community collaboration can yield tangible benefits, creating lasting prosperity and improved quality of life for its residents.