Feature: my ten years in Lhasa

10:00, November 10, 2009

File photo shows downtown Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (tibet.cn Photo)

I have stayed in Tibet for ten years. What are on my mind any moment are Tibet's ranges of mountains, a crystal-clear sky, yaks not afraid of train's steam whistles, and the hearty laughter of the unsophisticated Tibetan people.

Ten years ago, I moved from a bustling but hazy inland city to Lhasa. Back then, adobe bungalows lined up earthen roads. Stylish clothes, furniture, and computers that were so appealing to me were nowhere to be found in the narrow shopping streets.

Tibetan farmers, dressed in Tibetan robes, were busy laboring hard in the fields. With their hard work, and thanks to the implementation of the preferential policies of the government, they experienced a tremendous change in their livelihood.

File photo taken on July 14, 2005 shows foreign tourists shopping in downtown Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua Photo)

Back then, the sweet, fragrant butter tea and highland barley liquor were still not attractive enough for entrepreneurs to settle here.

Ten years later, through the efforts of the Tibetan people, Tibet has become prosperous, and Lhasa has established itself as a modern city on the roof of the world. The city's tall buildings, broad streets, a steady stream of cars, and foreign tourists, are all showing that its economy has been growing rapidly, with changes taking place every day.

More and more domestic and foreign people are becoming familiar with and fond of the ancient and mystic land of Tibet. The Potala Palace, the landmark structure in Lhasa with a long history, has received hundreds of thousands of visitors from home and abroad.

Spotted in the valleys of the Yarlung Zampo Grand Canyon are local villagers using GPS with Google Earth on their laptops. In an ordinary family's courtyard, Tibetan seniors and youths danced traditional Tibetan dances, while singing songs in praise of the Communist Party of China's leadership.

Time is bringing great changes to the world. Tibet's development is just the epitome of that of China after the country initiated the reform and open-up policy in 1979.

Looking back at my ten years spent in Tibet, what I can think about are not only hardships and painstaking efforts, but also the pride of having done all I can to make the city more beautiful and attractive.

The value of pine trees lies in its ever-greenness, and that of a person in his/her personality. The kindness, diligence, and generosity of the Tibetan people will always shine forever.

Source: Xinhuanet