A two-week-long import fair is ongoing in the Gakyiling Plaza Shopping Mall in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Preparations are well underway as residents of the Xizang autonomous region gear up to welcome the Tibetan Fire Horse Year and Spring Festival, with streets and homes radiating joy and anticipation.

To bring an international edge to this beloved traditional festival, the "2026 Tibetan New Year Imported Goods Fair" has kicked off in Lhasa, running from Jan 26 to Feb 8.

A two-week-long import fair is ongoing in the Gakyiling Plaza Shopping Mall in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Organized by Xizang Mandala Import Export, the fair provides Lhasa residents with access to imported products to color their celebrations with global flavors and styles.

A two-week-long import fair is ongoing in the Gakyiling Plaza Shopping Mall in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Sonam Jamphel, general manager of Xizang Mandala, said the fair introduces a world of new possibilities to the traditional festivities. "The event will showcase a diverse array of products from as many as nine countries, including Nepal, France, Thailand, Russia, Vietnam, and Afghanistan," he said, adding that intricate crafts, flavorful regional foods, household items, and beauty products are on offer.

"The fair promotes cultural exchange alongside commercial trade to enrich Lhasa's festival market and serves as a bridge between Xizang and the wider world," Sonam Jamphel said.

A two-week-long import fair is ongoing in the Gakyiling Plaza Shopping Mall in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Yiles, a merchant from Ghana, sells lotions and skin-care products. He is in Lhasa for the first time and is adjusting to the high-altitude plateau city. "I had good sales in the first three days," he said. "I hope I can join similar export goods fairs in the future."

A two-week-long import fair is ongoing in the Gakyiling Plaza Shopping Mall in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Tibetan New Year, or Losar, is the most significant celebration for Tibetans. Families perform deep cleaning and prepare feasts. New Year decorations are set around households to symbolize hopes for prosperity and joy in the coming year.