The Xigaze Prefecture booth had a strong ethnic flavor (CHEN RAN)

Yanglhamo, 41, an ethnic Tibetan farmer from Xigaze Prefecture, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, never thought the traditional skill of handmade carpet weaving she displayed at her hometown's booth at the 20th China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair (HTF) would attract so many visitors.

A Xigaze Prefecture delegate to the 20th HTF hangs tangka, a kind of traditional scroll painting (CHEN RAN)

"This is the first time I've been to Harbin. It's so exciting," Yanglhamo told Beijing Review. "I'm proud that I could help promote my hometown here to visitors from home and abroad."

The booth, titled "Hometown of Mount Qomolangma," was decorated with tangka, a kind of Tibetan scroll painting, traditional medicine and local gemstones, giving it a strong ethnic flavor.

Awang, head of the 46-member Xigaze Prefecture delegation to the HTF, told Beijing Review that the fair provides a new platform for them to promote tourism.

"This is the first time that Xigaze Prefecture has sent a delegation to the fair," Awang said. "We were excited to receive the invitation as Heilongjiang Province is one of the four aiding provinces which are responsible for supporting the economic development of Xigaze, the second largest city in Tibet. Our development could not be realized without Heilongjiang Province's aid. "

Yanglhamo, an ethnic Tibetan farmer, demonstrates the traditional way of making carpet at the booth (CHEN RAN)

Xigaze Prefecture is rich in tourism resources, since it is the hometown of the world's highest peak, Mount Qomolangma – also known as Mount Everest. Statistics from the local tourism bureau show that it received 64,507 domestic and foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year, generating total revenue of 31.26 million yuan ($4.53 million).

Awang said the fair is an opportunity for visitors to learn about scenic spots, traditional culture and local handicrafts in Xigaze, as well as for the Xigaze delegation to learn from others' experiences in tourism promotion.

"Tourism is one of the major pillars of local economic development. The Prefecture's government has been making efforts to improve local people's lives by supporting tourism," Awang said. "The annual Mount Qomolangma Culture and Tourism Festival, consisting of performances, commercial activities, photo exhibitions and tourism promotions, will kick off in August this year. We are confident this event will be world-class."

(Reporting from Harbin, Heilongjiang Province)