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The Transformation of Galai Village: Xizang's First Peach Blossom Village

Nestled in the Nyingchi City of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Galai Village is a living testament to the region's transformation over the past six decades. Celebrated as Xizang's "First Peach Blossom Village," it has blossomed not only with vibrant cherry blossoms every spring but also into a hub of economic growth, thanks to substantial improvements in transportation, tourism, and community livelihoods.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent correspondence with the residents of Galai encapsulates the spirit of this transformation. In his letter, he expressed joy over the village's development and the rise in local incomes, highlighting the fruit of hard work and determination from the villagers who strive for a better life. Xi's affection for Galai dates back to his visit during an inspection tour in July 2021, where he praised the scenic beauty and the warm hospitality of the locals, all factors that indeed contribute to drawing in tourists from across the country and beyond.

The Journey of Change: From 'Sky Road' to 'Prosperity Road'

Galai's remarkable journey of change is often framed within two metaphorical roads: the "sky road" and the "prosperity road."

1. The Sky Road: A journey to the remote plateau of Xizang was once nearly impossible, with limited infrastructure before 1951. However, the completion of vital highways and railways, such as the Qinghai-Xizang and Sichuan-Xizang highways in 1954, radically transformed travel and connectivity for the region. By the end of 2024, road lengths in Xizang had nearly doubled, making transportation more accessible, with the introduction of 183 flight routes connecting the region to numerous domestic and international cities.

2. The Prosperity Road: Economic growth has surged alongside infrastructural upgrades. President Xi's long-standing commitment to Xizang's development began back during his tenure in Fujian Province in the 1990s when he helped forge partnerships aimed at supporting local livelihoods. His advocacy for tourism development and environmental protection has always been a highlight of his agenda—something firmly rooted in the modern developments observed today. Galai has embraced tourism, actively promoting its picturesque landscapes and local organic agriculture, leading to a significant spike in household incomes that reportedly reached around 40,000 yuan ($5,579) per capita in 2024.

The Broader Picture: Xizang's Economic Growth

Galai's achievements are not isolated; they reflect a broader trend of economic progress throughout the Xizang Autonomous Region. Since its establishment, Xizang has experienced exponential growth in its GDP, which reached 276.5 billion yuan in 2024, significantly up from 1965. The annual GDP growth rate of 8.9 percent showcases the region's rapid development trajectory, with urban residents enjoying an average disposable income that has increased 121 times compared to figures from six decades ago.

President Xi's letter also urges the villagers to continue emphasizing the protection of their natural environment while capitalizing on their tourism potential. Preserving the rich ethnic culture and lush landscapes is integral to maintaining what has been characterized as a "Peach Blossom Land," a phrase rooted in a 5th-century fable by poet Tao Yuanming that epitomizes communal harmony and idyllic living.

Galai Village exemplifies not only how a community can succeed through modernization and infrastructural development but also how it can uphold cultural and environmental legacies amidst rapid change. The transformation of Galai signifies a hopeful and promising future for Xizang, where economic progress and environmental harmony exist in tandem.

As Galai continues to evolve, its journey serves as an inspiration for similar regions around the globe aiming for growth while respecting their cultural and ecological heritage.