People's livelihood in the Xizang Autonomous Region in Southwest China has been significantly improved in various aspects since the peaceful liberation of Xizang in 1951.

The Tibetan population in Xizang has surged from 2.41 million in 2000 to 3.14 million in 2020, according to the decennial population census.

Last year, the per capita disposable income of Xizang's residents was 26,675 yuan (about $3,960), more than double in comparison with 10 years ago. The average per capita disposable income of urban residents was 48,753 yuan, and that of rural residents was 18,209 yuan, with an urbanization rate of 37.36 percent.

Meanwhile, people's public health has been improved with better medical services. The death rate of women in childbirth has dropped from 5,000 per 100,000 before the peaceful liberation to 48 per 100,000, and the infant mortality rate from 430 to 7.6 per 1,000. The average life expectancy has increased from 35.5 years in 1951 to 71.1 years in 2020. The figure rose further to 72.19 years in 2021.

The region has also carried out comprehensive improvement projects involving the supply of water, electricity, gas, telecommunications, postal services, radio and television, the construction of highways and improvements to the environment.

This year, the region plans to invest 13.7 billion yuan into 21 issues that will improve the well-being of residents, including raising livelihood subsidies, promoting medical aid and upgrading heating and oxygen supply facilities.

"In the old Xizang, we struggled to have enough food and warm clothing," said 68-year-old Lhasa resident Trinley. "The policies of the government, such as building roads, providing water, caring for people with disabilities, and protecting Tibetan culture, have given us personal freedom and a happy life."

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