The first-ever commercial flight linking southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region touched down on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in connecting the vibrant city with the spiritual heart of Xizang.

A warm welcoming ceremony took place in Lhasa, where visitors from Hong Kong were greeted by locals in traditional attire. The new route enhances Xizang’s openness, promotes the growth of its cultural and tourism sectors and strengthens connections with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, according to the regional administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China.