Lhasa's Barkhor Mall buzzing with New Year shoppers

As the Tibetan Losar New Year approaches, the Barkhor Mall in Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region, is teeming with shoppers eager to purchase festive goods. From Jan 28 to Feb 27, the mall hosts its annual New Year's goods festival, featuring 213 free temporary stalls spread across three floors.

The stalls offer a wide range of products, including butter sculptures, nuts, candies and local handmade pastries.

"Despite the presence of other markets and New-Year themed festivals in Lhasa, Barkhor Mall has become a well-known destination for its vibrant festive atmosphere and diverse offerings," Champa Tsering, a person in charge of the mall, was quoted as saying by Xizang Commerce Daily.

The mall boasts thousands of merchants selling domestic and international products, he said.

This year, the festival includes an exhibition and sale of imported New Year's goods, attracting 30 merchants from South and West Asia. Shoppers can find unique items, such as hand-woven Nepali carpets and traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, adding an international flair to the traditional festivities.

The Losar New Year falls on Feb 28 this year, and celebrations can run for as long as 15 days.