Tourism, mining lead Gyiamargang to prosperity

08:51, May 25, 2009

Photo shows a distant view of the landscape of Gyiamargang, the hometown of ancient Tibet King Sontzen Gampo, Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Source: China's Tibet)

Gyiamargang, a small hilly county of Tibet, is moving faster on its way to prosperity with strengthened efforts in developing its tourism and mining industry.

Located in Lhasa's Maizhokunggar County, Gyiamargang, the hometown of ancient Tibet King Sontzen Gampo, boasts rich tourist resources such as relics of noble manors, karst caves and vast grassland.

"The number of visitors are expected to reach 60,000 person-time in 2009, with an annual income of ten million yuan for local people," said Rigzin Drolma, director of the Publicity Department of county.

Nimar Dondrup (L) from Gyiamargang, Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, rides his yak in the Shoton Festival (yogurt banquet in the Tibetan language) held in Lhasa. (Xinhua Photo)

Since 2004, the county government has made great efforts to expand its tourism industry: rebuilding civilian residences into architectures with ancient characteristics, designing and developing tourist commodities with strong Tibetan features, practice niche marketing on traditional festivals and cultural activities.

Meanwhile, the Central Government has put in 35 million yuan on construction of some local major scenic spots like the Sontzen Gampo Memorial, Horkang Manor and Site of Ancient Tubo.

Photo shows a copper deposit in Gyiamargang, Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Mining is the second largest pillar industry in this hilly county. (Xinhua Photo)

As the second largest pillar industry in Gyiamargang, mining in deep hills of the county was thriving and earned an average income of 42 million yuan each year before 2007.

Since the development of mineral resources was contracted to three major companies in 2007, more residents have engaged in the mineral transportation, with an annual average earning up to 100,000 yuan per truck.

In 2008, two groups of youths were sent to neighboring Yunnan Province to receive mining training and knowhow financed by the mining companies. And the first group of 100 youths have now been employed by the companies.

Source:Xinhuanet