As Spring Festival and Tibetan Fire Horse New Year draw near, joy fills the air across the Xizang autonomous region.

Freshly hung prayer flags adorn the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. [Photo/IC]

At the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of Xizang, staff has observed the ancient tradition of replacing the prayer flags on five towering 20-meter flagpoles. As the new flags fly, they spread auspicious blessings from the snow-covered plateau far and wide.

A customer browses traditional attire at a Tibetan clothing store on Barkhor Street, Lhasa. [Photo/IC]

Tibetan clothing stores are bustling with customers, offering beautifully crafted garments that blend traditional designs with modern fashion. The custom of wearing new clothes to celebrate the start of a new year has drawn both locals and tourists out to the shops.

A pastry shop in Lhasa bustles with customers seeking traditional kasai. [Photo/IC]

Along the streets and alleys, the sweet aroma of kasai — traditional Tibetan fried pastries — fills the air. Made from flour, yak butter, rapeseed oil, milk powder, and sugar, these golden treats are hand-shaped into strips, circles, butterflies, and flowers. Served during festive gatherings, they symbolize good fortune and prosperity in the year ahead.

Amid the celebrations, the people of Xizang are immersed in joy, welcoming a peaceful and prosperous new year through rich, cherished traditions.