Tibet pilots healthcare, green tourism bases

LHASA -- Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region on Tuesday officially began piloting six healthcare and green tourism bases in its capital city of Lhasa.

Tadong village, deemed as "the most beautiful village in Lhasa" and famous for its hot springs, is one of the six bases. Besides, another hot spring resort in Yangbajain, a Tibetan medicated bath center and three other eco-tourism destinations, have been included in the pilot program.

Since 2016, Tadong's healthcare tourism has received more than 1 million tourists generating a revenue of over 21 million yuan (about $3 million).

"We are so pleased to work in our village, get dividends and meet guests from afar," said Tashi, a local villager.

Tibet boasts abundant ecological and healthcare resources, and the pilot bases will help promote Tibetan medicated bath, hot spring industry and tourism, said Wang Xiaodong, with the regional tourism department. He added that the pilot project would help foster innovation in Tibet's tourist industry.

A total of 15 travel agencies signed cooperation contracts with the six bases on Tuesday.