A Tibetan traditional dance during the opening ceremony of the Second China Tibet International Tourism and Culture Expo. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Tibetan dance, song and traditional opera echoed across the Exhibition Center of Lhasa as a tourism and culture expo drew thousands to the capital of the Tibet autonomous region.

The expo, with the theme Sacred Place on Earth, Heavenly Land in Tibet, opened on Monday and showcases the region's unique culture.

The event drew 5,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, tourism professionals and guests from more than 15 countries.

Biyaya Mulmi, an executive member of the Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said he hoped to find new business partners in Tibet as relations between Nepal and Tibet have been steadily growing each year.

"It is my first trip in Tibet. I like the landscape, culture, and people of Tibet, and it is my great pleasure to have my carpets exhibited on the expo," said Biyaya, 54. "Many imported products from China have gained popularity in Nepal."

Wang Leiming, president of Tibet Dazhao Travel Service Co, said he was excited to attend the expo's investment conference.

"From the discussion session of the conference, I had the opportunity to exchange thoughts with many different business people, I have found new business partners, and I have learned new things," said Wang Leiming, 45.

The central and the regional governments are making efforts to turn Lhasa into a world-class tourism city, he said, adding his business had improved over the years.

During an opening address, Li Shihong, deputy head of the China National Tourism Administration, stressed the importance of tourism in Tibet.

Tibet is an important gateway in the southwest of China, and a shining pearl of tourism both in China and the world, Li said.

"Tourism is one of Tibet's pillar industries and accounts for 20 percent of the region's economic contribution, and it has become the main channel of Tibet's opening up," Li said.

The three-day event also includes an investment conference, an exhibition of Tibetan cultural relics, conferences on tourism promotion and a Tibetan medicine forum.

                                                                                                                                                     Editor: Lily Li