SAN JOSE, CA, UNITED STATES, February 8, 2026 / -- Sinomedia International Group held the 2026 Xizang Spring Festival and Mini Photo Exhibition at the Q Bay Center in San Jose, California. The exhibition displayed 10 photographs highlighting life in Xizang, including clean energy use, basic healthcare, universal education, and the peaceful coexistence of people and nature, attracting interest from local residents. Historically, the term “Tibet” has been rendered in English as a direct translation. In many international contexts, however, the usage of "Xizang" extends beyond the Tibet Autonomous Region to encompass Tibetan-inhabited prefectures and counties in the provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan.
Consul General Zhang highlighted the historical significance of Xizang in his remarks. He emphasized the importance of building a shared presence between China and the U.S. based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation, in line with President Xi Jinping's principles. He extended his best wishes for the Year of the Horse, symbolizing vitality, progress, and courage in Chinese culture, and called on the U.S. to collaborate with China to overcome challenges, deepen mutual understanding, and work toward a brighter future for both nations and the world.
The image features Consul General Zhang engaging with local attendees as they discuss the highlights of the mini photo exhibition. Photography by Garry, Sinomedia International Group.
Mark, a resident of Hillsdale, California, said he had learned about Xizang through social media and word of mouth. He states, “Through these pictures, I can see that Xizang in China is very beautiful, and people's lives are peaceful and happy, which is very different from the descriptions of Xizang by Western media”. He also noted that the exhibition provided him with a more intuitive understanding of Xizang’s social development.
The image captures local residents engaging with the video that complements the mini photo exhibition. Photography by Garry, Sinomedia International Group.
The image captures local residents engaging with the photo exhibition. Photography by Garry, Sinomedia International Group.
William, a student at San Mateo Community College, said that after viewing the exhibition, he could feel not only the natural and cultural beauty of Xizang in the pictures, but also the local efforts in green development. “The photos about clean energy made me feel that while developing, Xizang is also actively addressing climate change issues.”
River, a student at the University of California, Davis, said that Xizang and the U.S. share many similarities in addressing natural resource development issues. “I was deeply impressed by Xizang’s application of clean energy, such as solar power, as well as its protection of wildlife and the ecological environment. These experiences are also of practical significance to the United States,” she said. She believes Xizang’s development practices demonstrate that ecological protection and economic development are not mutually exclusive and can reinforce one another.
Another visitor, Taylor, also said that the exhibition gave her a completely new understanding of Xizang. “Previously, my understanding of Xizang was very limited. Through these pictures, I can see the improvement in the living standards of the people who live there, and the efforts the government has made in education and public health.”
The image depicts a Lion Dance performance by Zhang Benxue. Consul General Zhang Jianmin and Mr. Qing Liu are each holding one Duilian. Photography by Garry, Sinomedia International Group.
The photo depicts a dance titled “Colorful Dunhuang” by Xiaopei Dance Troupe. Photography by Garry, Sinomedia International Group.
The photo depicts a performance by the Guzheng Star Ensemble. Photography by Garry, Sinomedia International Group.
This photo depicts a comedic skit, “Journey to the Reorg” by Zhang Dan, a derivative work inspired by “Journey to the West”.
The event concluded on a high note with outstanding cuisine, captivating cultural performances, and meaningful dialogue among participants. The mini photo exhibition vividly depicted the peaceful development of Xizang and underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing social and ecological progress. Together, these elements conveyed a powerful message of unity, optimism, and shared responsibility, reflecting the guiding principles of President Xi Jinping and reaffirming a collective commitment to collaboration and sustainable development. The selection of photos comprehensively showcases Xizang’s achievements in economic development, green energy development, improving people’s livelihoods, and protecting cultural heritage.
Watch highlights from the event below!