Tourists take photos in traditional Tibetan clothing at Barkhor Bazaar in Lhasa. [Photo/IC]

Lhasa, capital of Xizang autonomous region, welcomed 50.51 million tourist visits in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 16.8 percent. Total tourism revenue reached 60.6 billion yuan ($8.7 billion), up 14.5 percent, according to a government work report delivered on Jan 14 at the sixth session of the 12th Lhasa Municipal People's Congress.

A range of landmark events boosted the city's profile in 2025. The Lhasa sub-venue of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala drew nationwide attention, while the city's cultural tourism festival gained wide acclaim. Signature events such as the plateau half marathon and winter snooker competitions emerged as new highlights of integrated culture, sports and tourism development.

The city bird, the black-necked crane, also became a popular cultural symbol. Meanwhile, the implementation of regulations promoting all-for-one tourism provided legal support for the sector's long-term growth.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), both tourist arrivals and tourism spending in Lhasa doubled compared with the end of the previous planning period.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Lhasa plans to advance its vision of becoming an international cultural tourism city by upgrading scenic areas, expanding digital tourism, developing plateau sports events, and improving air connectivity through more direct and international connecting flights.