Xi's enduring bond with Xizang mirrors region's dramatic transformation

Nestled in the mountains of Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, a small village recently received a special letter from Beijing — thousands of kilometers away — reigniting villager Dawa Gyaltsen's cherished memories from four years prior.

"Learning that the village has undergone new changes in recent years and villagers' incomes have increased, I feel happy for you," the letter read.

Dated June 2025, the message came as a reply from the President Xi Jinping. It arrived in a year of special significance: the 60th anniversary of the founding of Xizang autonomous region.

For Dawa Gyaltsen, the letter was both a personal treasure and a source of motivation. "In recent years, we have vigorously developed the 'peach blossom economy'. Our roads are wider, and our lives are richer. We'd be honored if President Xi could revisit us and see these changes," he said.

His mind drifted back to 2021, when Xi, during an inspection tour of Xizang, visited his home in Galai village — examining the grains bag by bag, sampling traditional Tibetan cheese, and engaging in a heartfelt conversation.