A four-day visit to the Xizang autonomous region left a group of Generation Z travelers with profound and positive impressions of the area's cultural and natural beauty.
Invited by Chinese embassies, 12 young visitors from 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, India, Sri Lanka and South Korea, explored cultural and natural landmarks in Nyingchi and Lhasa such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, the University of Xizang Medicine, Yani National Wetland Park and a thangka painting academy.
The visit gave participants a fresh understanding of Xizang's development, ecological conservation and rich cultural heritage.
Moon Shin-ho, a visitor from South Korea who speaks fluent Chinese, was particularly struck by Tibetan Opera and other traditional arts. Moon, who has traveled extensively, said he was excited to explore Xizang for the first time.
"The local culture here is unlike anywhere else in the world," he said. "It's a unique culture that has been passed down through generations and is full of vitality."
He said he was also captivated by Xizang's natural beauty. "The clouds seem to hang so low here, creating a breathtaking scene against the blue sky," he added.
Mimi Templar Gay, from the United Kingdom, described the trip as "amazing," praising both the region's natural and cultural splendor, as well as the warmth of its people. She was particularly moved by the opera Princess Wencheng, which recounts the story of the princess of Tang Dynasty (618-907) who traveled to marry the Tibetan ruler Songtsen Gampo over 1,300 years ago.
"The storytelling and the local involvement in the performance were truly wonderful," Gay said.
Gay also expressed a deep interest in Tibetan medicine, having received health advice from Tibetan medical expert Samdrub Choipel.
Shafiya Nawzer, from Sri Lanka, echoed her fellow travelers' sentiments. "The experience here is something you don't get every day," Nawzer said, adding that she was deeply touched by the kindness and hospitality of the people she met.