Aba prefecture in spotlight

Traditional Tibetan Stone-carving artisan performs at the exhibition. [Wang Kaihao/chinadaily.com.cn]

An exhibition seeking to showcase the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, a popular destination in Sichuan province, opened in the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing on Friday.

Beautiful Aba, Meet in Beijing reviews the economy, culture, public and environmental services of the prefecture over the past few decades through different channels including photos, historical documents and art performances.

Ancient books of Aba recording its local history displayed at the exhibition. [Wang Kaihao/chinadaily.com.cn]

With a population of 920,000, Aba covers an area of 84,200 square kilometers in the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The Tibetan ethnic group composes 53 percent of local residents, and the Qiang ethnic group make up for 18 percent. It is home to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, two UNESCO World Heritage sites.

In 2008, the area was severely hit by an earthquake.

An expo promoting local specialties and a trade fair aiming to attract more investments to the area are also being held in the same venue through Thursday.

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