The Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China is luring large numbers of visitors to its worldwide fair on the “roof of the world” with its displays of items ranging from Tibetan yak cashmere and Nepalese copper cookware to Australian chocolates.
Tibet’s tourist development agency said in a press release on Wednesday that the three-day, Lhasa-based tourism and cultural exhibition would emphasize the distinctive plateau culture and various goods.
The event, which seeks to stimulate local industry growth and encourage international exchanges, will include 984 enterprises overall from 12 different countries, according to the statement.
Tsetso, 29, is excited to see guests at her stand where she sells Tibetan yak cashmere clothing. “This will be a fantastic opportunity for Chinese and foreign tourists to learn about our products.”
Copper pots, bowls, and bottles have been transported from Nepal by the artist and artisan Narayan. The 38-year-old Narayan said, “This is my second time taking part in the exhibition, and I am happy to bring my family’s traditional skill to Tibet.
Chen Lijuan from the Chongqing Municipality in southwest China carried handcrafted chocolates that her business imports from Australia on her first visit to Tibet.
The Potala Palace is entirely filled. I can only try my luck after the expo,” said Chen, who had squeezed in a side trip to Barkhor Street and the Jokhang Temple in the middle of Lhasa despite her busy schedule.
Since the first one was held in September 2014, Lhasa has hosted five of these events. This year’s expo is the fifth.
In the first five months of this year, Tibet welcomed more than 11.73 million tourists, an increase of about 45 percent from the same period last year. According to the regional tourist development agency, tourism earnings during the time exceeded 13 billion yuan (about 1.81 billion USD), an increase of over 43% from the same period in 2022.
