Tibet tourism town thrives under Guangdong partnership

After about four years of construction, Lulang International Tourism Town officially opened in 2017.

"Guangdong government took the lead to invest 1.3 billion yuan ($200.59 million) into the project, which also attracted social capital, including Poly Real Estate, Evergrand Group and Pearl River Investment, adding over 2.5 billion yuan," Hu said.

Based on the concepts of "innovation", "openness", "sharing", "coordination" and "green", the town strengthens an integrated layout of natural landscapes, Tibetan culture and modern tourism facilities.

Three high-end hotels, several boutique inns and over 40 shops and restaurants created about 2,500 jobs, transforming the local labor force from farming to engaging in the service industry.

Villagers began to run homestay businesses, charging about 400 yuan per room during peak season in summer, with a family's income hitting 300,000 to 700,000 yuan yearly.

According to official statistics, more than 820,000 tourists came to Lulang in 2019, generating income of 78 million yuan.

Locals also enjoy benefits from the upgraded public infrastructure facilities.

"A sewage processing plant, trash station and 5G base station have been built up in the town," Hu said, "with a museum, school and hospital to operate in the future."