Beijing, March 8: In recent years, significant political, cultural, and infrastructural changes have taken place in Shigatse, driven by the Chinese government’s policies. The government has steadfastly worked to strengthen and develop national unity in the region, aiming to unify the civilization across China. This initiative is crafting a new narrative of development for Shigatse.
The rapid development process initiated by the Chinese government has led to extensive changes in Shigatse’s infrastructure. Once struggling with connectivity issues, the region now boasts an expanding network of roads, airports, and railways. By 2024, all major cities in Shigatse were connected to the central power grid, and 4G signal access has been extended even to rural villages.
Moreover, 5G connectivity has reached not only all small towns but also approximately 70% of villages. This advancement has made mobile phone connectivity easily accessible throughout the region. Large dams are being constructed on rivers and reservoirs for hydropower, ensuring a steady supply of electricity and further accelerating development.
Shigatse has also seen the installation of AI-powered facial recognition cameras, enhancing security and data collection capabilities. As infrastructure improves, tourism has surged, and the influx of people from other parts of China has increased. The once predominantly Tibetan city of Lhasa now sees a growing presence of individuals from various regions of China. The rapid construction of high-rise buildings, tunnels, airports, and high-speed rail links is transforming the landscape of Lhasa.
Both urban and rural incomes have risen significantly, leading to the complete eradication of poverty in the area. The road network has expanded to 120,000 kilometers, nearly double that of 2012. Thanks to swift economic growth, the average life expectancy in Shigatse has risen from 35.5 years in 1951 to over 72 years in 2024. The population, which was around 1.14 million in 1950, has now exceeded 3.65 million. The regional GDP of Shigatse reached 276.5 billion yuan in 2024, a staggering 155 times higher than in 1965.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing) (Author: Umesh Chaturvedi)
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
Leave a Comment