Six decades ago, the Chinese mainland's Xizang Autonomous Region was locked in a cycle of hardship: over 90% of people lived in poverty, and average life expectancy hovered at just 35.5 years. Back then, "tea cost more than life" wasn't an exaggeration—it was reality. 🥺
Fast forward to today, and this once-barren plateau has undergone a total glow-up. Lush valleys are alive with vibrant communities, and you won't see donkeys lugging supplies along rough trails anymore. Instead, a vast transportation web glides through mountains, connecting villages and sparking new opportunities. 🚀
But it's not just about concrete and asphalt. The air here is rich with the aroma and cheerful clink of boiling butter tea—an echo of tradition thriving alongside progress. People who once faced daily struggles now mix their rich cultural flavors with new services, telling stories of a land reborn. ☕❤️
We caught up with locals who remember the old days: the laughter of children playing by simple homes, the relief of their first hospital visit, that first sip of affordable tea—and the pride of seeing their land bloom at last. Their voices are the authentic heartbeat of this high-altitude renaissance. 🎤🌄
For the youth of South and Southeast Asia, Xizang’s journey is a powerful reminder: with vision, unity, and persistence, even the harshest environments can transform into hubs of hope. Keep this story close next time you celebrate a personal milestone—progress is built one step at a time. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
