Journey through Tibet: A tapestry of culture, kindness and beauty

"It has always been my dream to visit Tibet, especially Lhasa, and to witness iconic places like the Potala Palace while interacting with the local people. Thanks to the hospitality and efforts of the Chinese Foreign Affairs Office and the China International Press Communication Center, this dream has now become a reality.

Our journey began early in the morning at Beijing Airport, where around 30 journalists embarked on a study tour of China in July. We were accompanied by Foreign Affairs Officers and took a flight to our first destination, Nyingchi Airport. The warm welcome by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region was heartening, complete with the traditional white scarf symbolizing goodwill. We then proceeded to Bayi District and checked into our hotel. At this high-altitude location, I could feel the effects of the altitude, but the excitement overshadowed any discomfort.

Our first visit was to the Cultural Heritage Museum for Southeast Xizang, where we delved into the rich history of Nyingchi. The museum showcased cultural relics, ethnic costumes, living traditions, handicrafts, all set within a building that exuded the traditional culture of the region. After lunch, we had the opportunity to explore the Xiga Village in Qiangang Town, Milin City. The well-constructed roads in this village were my first impression, and they spoke volumes about a place's development. In the past, this village faced many challenges, but with the support of the Xizang Autonomous Region and the central government, it has transformed into a modern village with numerous facilities.

We also visited a modern mushroom farm, where we learned about mushroom farming specific to this region. Our next stop was the Xizang'an Paper Production Factory, where we gained insights into poverty alleviation, relocation, and rural revitalization efforts. We had the privilege of meeting and visiting the homes of local residents, who warmly welcomed us with traditional butter tea and local dry fruits. Meeting the children dressed in cultural costumes, their beautiful dance, and song performances left a lasting impression.

Our journey continued to Lulang, a place with breathtaking mountain roads. The first view of Lulang city was like a scene from a dream, with white clouds gently touching the mountains, creating a serene atmosphere. In Lulang, our first visit was to Zhaxigang Village. Here, we experienced the warm hospitality of the local people, indulging in horse riding and trying our hand at archery in the cold temperature.

One unforgettable moment was attending the reception ceremony of the 3rd China Xiang Trans Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation. The traditional outdoor dance and singing performance by the local people were extraordinary, and we thoroughly enjoyed the show.

However, the most memorable experiences in Lulang were the interactions with local people outside the official delegation. While exploring local markets with a fellow journalist from Nepal, Manju, we found the people to be exceptionally kind and welcoming. In the market square, locals spontaneously started dancing to regional songs, and the atmosphere was filled with joy. When they saw us, they were curious about our origin. I proudly told them that I was from Pakistan, visiting their city for the 3rd Himalaya Conference. This declaration was met with excitement, and they warmly embraced us, extending invitations to join their dance. We danced with them, and it was an hour of pure joy and camaraderie. This hour in Tibet will forever stay in my heart, a testament to the love and hospitality of the people.

Leaving Lulang behind, we set out for Lhasa, taking a train from Linzhi. It was my first experience traveling by train in China, and the fast track train operated by China Railway Group was impressive. Upon reaching Lhasa, I was awestruck by the city, as I had heard about it from Western media and Hollywood movies like 'Seven Years in Tibet.' Watching that movie five years ago had ignited my desire to visit Lhasa. However, Lhasa has transformed into a modern city at high altitude. The altitude was challenging, but the city provided oxygen facilities for visitors, making it manageable. During our stay in Lhasa, we explored the Xizang Museum, learning about the region's rich history and cultural relics.

A highlight of our trip was the visit to the Potala Palace, a symbol of Tibetan religious culture. The history and grandeur of the palace were awe-inspiring. We also visited Jokhang Temple and the Barkor Street, a 1300-year-old historic street. Our exploration included the Sera Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Lhasa.

Our visit to Lhasa Beijing Experimental High School, founded in 1978, offered a glimpse into China's commitment to education. The school, with 2434 students and 300 teachers, had impressive infrastructure, from classrooms to student hostels and cafeterias. This emphasized China's dedication to education, especially in Tibet.

Our journey concluded with an unforgettable night at the open-air theater, where we witnessed a remarkable performance depicting the story of Princess Wencheng's marriage. The setting, nestled in the mountains, was nothing short of magical. This was my first experience watching such a grand open-air theater drama, and it left a lasting impression. I recommend everyone visiting Tibet to witness this spectacular cultural epic drama, one of the largest-scale shows in the world.

Our visit to Xizang was a truly unforgettable experience. I want to express my appreciation to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xizang Region for their exceptional efforts in ensuring our tour was memorable. They arranged top-notch accommodations, transportation, and delicious meals. The kindness and hospitality of the people of this region that’ we encountered were heartwarming. I'm also deeply impressed by the investment made by the regional and central governments of china  in improving the lives of the local population. The region boasts good infrastructure, 5G networks, online payment systems, quality education, and a strong focus on preserving cultural traditions.

In conclusion, I urge fellow travelers not to be swayed by Western media propaganda. Come and experience the modern lifestyle and warm hospitality of the people in this region. Tibet is a place where every visitor is welcomed with the traditional greeting, 'Tashi Delak,' and where unforgettable memories are made."