The flower observation base in Mardo village in Nyingchi's Manri township in the Tibet autonomous region attracts tourists. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Tibet autonomous region received more than 41 million tourists in 2021, and tourism revenues rose to more than 44 billion yuan ($7 billion), it was announced at an annual meeting of the regional People's Congress last week.

Tibet has been a popular destination for domestic and overseas tourists for decades because of its rich and exotic resources and unique traditional culture.

The flower observation base in Mardo village in Nyingchi's Manri township in the Tibet autonomous region attracts tourists. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, the region has been making a major effort to upgrade the quality of services for tourists. Cultural products and incentives have been introduced to benefit both tourists and business operators.

Tibetan villagers perform a traditional ancient dance in Tsogo village of Tibet's Gongpo'gyada county. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The region received more than 150 million tourists during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20). The boom brought the region nearly 213 billion yuan during the period, well more than double the intake during the previous Five-Year Plan period (2011-15), Xinhua News Agency reported.

A glacier can be seen in the distance in Bomi county of Nyingchi, Tibet autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Adorned with beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains and forests, and offering a wide variety of cultural activities, the region's Nyingchi city is a major attraction.

Tourists pose for a photo with Mount Namchak Barwa in the background in Nyingchi, Tibet. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Residents in Mardo village of Nyingchi's Manri township operate a flower observation business that has become a primary source of family income.

Padung, the village's Party secretary, said the flower business only runs for five months, but last year it generated more than 700,000 yuan for the residents of Mardo.

Tibetan villagers live beneath snow-capped mountains in Bomi county. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Sixteen households invested in the project, and more than 60 villagers have provide labor. They all financially benefit," Padung said. "There are more than 20 kinds of flowers at the observation site, which also integrates with services for weddings, picnics and catering."