Resettlement transforms remote Himalayan borderlands

A newly completed relocation settlement in a secluded Himalayan area of the Xizang autonomous region has successfully transitioned hundreds of residents from hazardous, landslide-prone mountain villages into a modern, tourism-focused hub.

The Guoxing settlement, in Xizang's Metog county, is the last of five resettlement projects designed to improve livelihoods in the geographically isolated region. Situated just a few kilometers from the Line of Actual Control in the China-India border area, the village represents the dual strategy of poverty alleviation and border reinforcement through civilian development.

For Norbu Yangzom, the resettlement ends decades of environmental vulnerability. In the past, she often had to worry about landslides when it rained. Furthermore, her children had to make long and dangerous journeys to go to school.

Dorjee Phuntsok, an official at the settlement, said people can live a modern and safe life with reliable transport, ample housing and access to education.

Although people have only lived in the settlement for just over a year, businesses are growing steadily.

Tea houses and restaurants bustle with locals and visitors. The construction of homestays with views of Mount Namcha Barwa has been completed and they will be open soon.

To ensure the long-term economic viability of the border community, local authorities have leveraged Metog's unique, humid rainforest climate to establish high-value agricultural initiatives. With government backing, agricultural experts cultivated and distributed over 6,000 pots of dendrobium — a highly valued medicinal herb — to local households to establish a sustainable stream of income.

Domestic tourists are already arriving in the region, drawn by its pristine rainforests and dramatic mountain geography.

"I really enjoy the beautiful settlement surrounded by primeval rainforests and rolling green mountains with modern facilities," said Zhang Jun, a visitor from neighboring Sichuan province.

Zhang noted that thriving civilian populations and tourism play an indirect role in national defense. "I believe tourists can also play an important role in safeguarding the border because there is strength in numbers," he said. "If the border settlement can flourish and draw tourists, how dare people from other countries intrude on our land?"

With infrastructure complete and businesses expanding, local authorities hope Guoxing will serve as a blueprint for sustainable development along China's southwestern frontier.