Chinese President Xi Jinping has wrapped up his visit to Tibet Autonomous Region. On the second day of his inspection, he visited the region's capital Lhasa. 

The city's landmark is the famous Potala Palace. It is the symbol of Tibet and is considered one of the wonders of the world. 

For the Tibetans, it is the most sacred place, an embodiment of its rich culture and religion. It was built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century and expanded in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. 

In history, the palace was once destroyed due to a lightning strike and succeeding warfare. But today, it enjoys first-class preservation. Back in 2019, the central government announced it would spend over 40 million dollars over the next 10 years to preserve the ancient relics inside. And it restricts visitors to only 4,000 a day. Some say this shows China is serious about preserving the Tibetan culture and religion. 

Today, the landmark has also become a symbol of modern life. Take the public square President Xi spoke to locals and tourists in during his inspection as an example. The giant square sits right across from the Potala Palace. It provides the classic angle of the holy site for picture takers. If you visit it at night, you will be amazed by a sparkling night scene. Not just tourists, local citizens are also attracted here for leisure and exercise.

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President Xi has called for efforts to build a new modern socialist Tibet – one that is united, prosperous, culturally advanced and harmonious. And what you see pretty much reflects such effort undertaken by the local government. 

During his visit, President Xi also arrived at the famous Barkhor Street. This place has preserved the ancient city's traditional outlook and way of living. Now one of the most bustling commercial streets in Lhasa, it has a history of more than 1,300 years. It is the oldest street in Tibet and is where the Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble. 

Take one store as an example. It sells Tibetan tapestry, decorations and jewelry. It has been running since 2004 by a Tibetan manager named Gazi Zhaxidele. 

"Initially, we sold our products on the ground. Later, we opened our store on this street. Seventy percent of my patrons are tourists from the rest of the country. Local pilgrims also buy our products, especially Buddhist offerings. And we are pretty happy because the government exempts business taxes for us. Now, I can make 200,000 yuan ($30,860) a year, much better than when I was herding on mountains," said the young man. 

The old walkway is well maintained in terms of its historical and cultural values. While walking on the street, you can experience what life was like in the past and enjoy a modern shopping experience. It is places like this that reflect what President Xi meant by "a Tibet for a new era" – where history is preserved and modernity is celebrated. 

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the Drepung Monastery located in the western suburbs of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 22, 2021. /Xinhua)