China's Xizang Autonomous Region has achieved remarkable progress in its socio-economic development over the past 60 years. 

The regional gross domestic product (GDP) of Xizang in 2024 hit 276.5 billion yuan (around $38.53 billion), 154 times that of 1965, reaching an average annual growth rate of 8.9 percent, while the per capita disposable income of its urban residents reached 55,444 yuan.

These numbers were highlighted in a speech on Thursday at a grand gathering in Lhasa marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region, delivered by Wang Huning, the chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. 

Infrastructure and connectivity

The region has developed a comprehensive transportation network, including highways, railways, and aviation. The total length of highways in Xizang have exceeded 120,000 kilometers, while the railway network is connecting the plateau to the rest of China through the iconic "Fuxing" bullet trains. Additionally, 183 international and domestic air routes bridge Xizang with the world. The power grid and 5G coverage, even on Mount Qomolangma, have revolutionized its energy and digital access.

Improving livelihoods

In 2024, the per capita disposable income of urban residents in Xizang reached 55,444 yuan, while rural residents' per capita disposable income reached 21,578 yuan. The average annual growth rate for income was 8.5 percent for urban residents and 9.4 percent for rural residents.

Education and healthcare systems have also advanced, with 15 years of free education implemented and 970,000 students enrolled across 3,618 schools. Healthcare facilities increased from 193 in 1965 to 7,231 in 2024, and life expectancy has more than doubled since the region's founding.

Xizang remains one of the world's best-preserved ecological zones, with major rivers maintaining Class III or better water quality and 99 percent of days meeting excellent air quality standards.

(Cover: The city of Lhasa in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, August 21, 2025. /VCG)