The first direct flight linking Shanghai with Shigatse in the Xizang autonomous region was launched on May 1, aiming to spur a boom in local tourism.

Operated by Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines, the service will run every Thursday and Sunday from May 1 to Oct 25.

To further promote tourism in the second quarter, a series of cultural and tourism initiatives have been rolled out, including a 12 million yuan ($1.65 million) subsidy package covering group tours, hotel stays, scenic spots, and airfares.

Shigatse has seen record-breaking tourist numbers and rapid growth in tourism revenue over the past two years.

In 2024, a chartered flight route between Shanghai and Shigatse via Kathmandu, Nepal, was introduced, carrying more than 1,500 passengers across 15 flights to date.

Source: Shanghai Observer