During the third Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation held in the autonomous region of Xizang, a group of international reporters visited local villages to see how rural areas are being developed. Feng Yilei reports.

Surrounded by alpine pastures and the towering peaks of Nyingchi in the autonomous region of Xizang, journalists from over 20 countries are getting a look at rural Tibetan life.

Yaks and horses roam freely.

And the region boasts a flourishing tourism industry and festivals, featuring traditional events such as horseback archery.

AUGUSTO SARMENTO DOS REIS Chief editor Timor Post "I think Tibet is rich in its own cultures, the mountainous, the beautiful scenery. And I saw a lot of trees."

FENG YILEI Nyingchi Xizang Autonomous Region "Apart from the breathtaking scenery and unique cultural resources, the reporters also learned about how local industries are helping improve the livelihoods of Tibetan residents."

The pasture is said to have contributed significantly to the local economy, generating an average income of around $1,300 per household annually, helping grow the local family home stay industry.

In the village of Zhaxigang, the reporters observe some local customs.

MARÍA SANHUEZA Reporter El Ciudadano "They are very open, extremely lovely and open to let people like us which are completely foreigner in the intimacy of their homes. They still managed to live closer to their traditions. I think that this is very impressive, because sometimes modernity is associated with cutting ties with our past. And I think that this is what the western powers try to impose in many colonial places as development."

In Xigamenba, which was established by merging two remote village communities, more than 300 farmers and herdsmen have embraced new lives.

The villagers' average per capita disposable income has increased more than 70 times in the past two decades.

UMATKUL BRALKIEVA Business manager Slovo Kyrgyzstana "I am once again convinced that there is a strong connection between the government and the people. It is felt because of all the investments that the government makes for its people. We saw it with our own eyes when we entered this house, the beauty of this house that combine ancient traditions and modern heritage. It is all so unique and impressive, and it really touches the heart."

Government investment in the transformation of local villages is also reflected in the work of this farmers' cooperative, which features traditional paper-making, wood processing, and incense production.

Since its establishment, the cooperative has sold more than four million yuan worth of paper products and handicrafts.

MANJU TELOR Reporter Naya Patrika National Daily "In Nepal, they just work not for an industry. Some people produce the same kinds of paper. We can make money from adapting similar small industries, just like paper or farming and all those things."

From Xizang's past to the present, from individuals to the general public, old stereotypes are being challenged.

ALI ABBAS Senior reporter City News Network "We know that the western media they did a lot of propaganda, but if I see here now, I'm a witness here. I can see the people are they are free, they have a lot of facilities here. So the Chinese government is doing good, a lot of things for their people, for the Tibetan people."

The reporters say they hope to share their experience in Xizang with more people around the world. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Nyingchi, in Xizang.