The Potala Palace in Lhasa reflected in a tranquil lake is a hot spot for international travelers to Xizang autonomous region. China Daily
Over the past few months, the tires of Ulianova Vlada's vehicle have tracked more than 35,000 kilometers across the roof of the world.
The Russian founder of AvanLu travel agency has called China home for over 11 years. To see more of the country, she decided to embark on an expedition deep into the heart of the Xizang autonomous region in southwestern China.
This was not just a journey but a mission of discovery.
"I chose this path because I needed to go and 'deconstruct' the routes from a foreigner's perspective," Vlada explains.
"Only then could I truly understand which places are suitable for international visitors."
The drive took her through much of the Tibetan cultural region, from the plateau's rugged eastern escarpment to its remote, high-altitude interior. She even undertook the challenging pilgrimage circuit around the sacred Mount Gang Rinpoche.
"I completed the circumambulation last year, and returned this November to walk the route again, filming and preparing to introduce it to my clients," she says.
Vlada believes the autonomous region holds great appeal for her fellow Russians.
International travel agents gather during a recent familiarization tour in Xizang. CHINA DAILY
"It is a place of profound depth, both culturally and spiritually," she observes.
"Many Russians are drawn to paths of practice — they enjoy meditation and love pristine nature. Xizang is perfectly suited for this."
Kelsang Phuntsok, director of the exchange and cooperation division with the Xizang culture and tourism department, felt a growing international interest in the autonomous region at the China International Travel Mart, which concluded in Haikou, Hainan province, in late December.
"We have tangibly sensed the interest of overseas partners in what Xizang has to offer," he notes.
This surge in global curiosity was vividly displayed at the travel mart, where Xizang showcased its living cultural heritage.
"We brought various intangible cultural heritage items from Xizang for on-site production and display," Kelsang Phuntsok says, noting that many inbound tour operators actively engaged in the cultural activities.
"During negotiation sessions, many of our travel agencies reached cooperation agreements with overseas counterparts," he adds.
Kelsang Phuntsok believes the foundation of this growing appeal lies in Xizang's unique, blended offerings.
"Xizang's core strength is not merely its singular natural landscape or Tibetan culture, but the deeply integrated experience formed by a fusion of extraordinary natural scenery and unique cultural heritage," he says.
In recent years, local authorities have organized tours for international travel agents to experience the unique cultural depth and rich tourism products, which have yielded positive feedback and led to numerous collaborations, Kelsang Phuntsok explains.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
