Tibet’s ongoing support for tourism, natural drinking water, and clean energy have helped local industries thrive, such as plateau farming, Tibetan medicine, and Tibetan handicrafts, as well as being part of the national “Belt and Road” initiative, and energizing regional growth.

Data shows that in 2015,Tibet's economy has grown at a high rate. Last year, the confirmed fixed assets numbered at 134.2 billion yuan, with 210 billion yuan in loan balance. The total output value in Tibet surpassed 100 billion yuan, with an 11% growth rate, which has maintained double digit growth for 23 years. The completion of the Lhasa–ShigatseRailway and the building of the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway have produced 78 thousand kilometers of railways; the power generation volume is at 2.3 million kilowatts. All administrative villages now have Wi-Fi coverage, with 80% of users enjoying broadband access.

As the economy experiences rapid growth, Tibet will devote more of its financial power toward building residential facilities. In 2015, the personal disposable income for Tibet residents is 25,457 yuan, an increase of 66.8% from during the “11th Five-Year Plan(2011-2015).” The personal disposable income for village residents is now at 8,244 yuan, continuing double-digit growth for the last 13 years. Free 15-year education for all kids have been achieved in Tibet, the first region to do so in the whole country. Residents who qualify for “Five Guarantee,” as well as orphans, are cared for in central facilities. And free medical check-ups are provided for all residents.

During the“12th Five-Year Plan,” Tibet has invested 464.2 billion yuan in fixed assets, 1.8 times more than during the “11th Five-Year Plan.” The Qinghai-Tibet grid and Sichuan-Tibet grid are now connected, with 58 counties covered by the main grid. A large number of transportation, hydropower, energy, and telecommunication projects have been completed and/or put into construction, bringing historical changes to Tibet’s infrastructure, its towns and villages, and changes people’s lives for the better.

As the peach blossoms started to bloom, Tibet’s tourism season has arrived. The family of Ms. Lin Fang, who drove to Tibet for a vacation, are headed to Lhasa after enjoying the peach blossomin Nyingchi. “This is the first time I’ve been to Tibet. I heard traffic here wasn’t easy, and there was always gridlock on highway 318, but I found the roads here to be great, they’re much better than I imagined. We will definitely come again.” 

When we visited the family of Ru Tielong, a villager from Tiyu Village of Nyingchi County, we saw a shiny new house outfitted with a leather sofa and all kinds of electronics. Ru’s family of seven has made 80 thousand yuan last year just by raising pigs, with help from Tibet-supporting programs. As of this March, Ru’s family has already made 60 thousand yuan.

With the economy growing by leaps and bounds, a thriving ecological environment, residents who are fulfilled and productive, and a stable society, the future is bright in Tibet.