Children pose for a photo in front of a house in Yumai Town of Lhunze County in Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Yumai Town, located on the southern foot of the Himalayas, was once home to merely three permanent residents due to its harsh and rugged terrain. Today, residential houses here are neatly arranged, with comprehensive infrastructure including drainage and communication facilities in place.

Schools, health clinics, and hotels have also been established, alongside with home-stays, small shops, and courier stations operated by villagers.

In 2025, the area received over 12,000 tourists, with home-stay income exceeding 284,200 yuan.

Villagers take a walk in Yumai Town of Lhunze County in Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A villager makes bed in a room at his home-stay in Yumai Town of Lhunze County in Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A villager works at his home-stay in Yumai Town of Lhunze County in Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A shop owner arranges shelves in Yumai Town of Lhunze County in Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)