Storyline: Medog, a once-isolated county in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, is stepping into the national spotlight as a must-visit travel hotspot, thanks to a new highway that connects it to the outside world. Local resident Kunsang Norbu has witnessed the tremendous changes in his hometown. After graduating from university, he returned to Medog to become the county's first tour guide, a role that perfectly blends his pride for his roots with his passion for sharing them. "Medog had no roads when I was young. Few people came or even knew of my hometown. I've long wished to introduce my hometown to people from across the country," he said. Nestled deep in the Himalayas, Medog has undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years. More than a decade ago, the inauguration of the highway connecting Bome to Medog ended the county's isolation and gave residents a reliable route out of the mountains. The highway, considered a wonder of engineering, has sparked sweeping changes in the area. Today, Medog is firmly on the tourist map. Kunsang's tours include stops at sites like Lotus Park, which was once an impassable swamp before the road was built. Another highlight is the Guoguotang scenic area, located 12 kilometers from the county seat. It's famed for the spectacular 180-degree bend of the Yarlung Zangbo River and was featured as one of the filming locations for the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala, China's most-watched television event. "Guoguotang has now become a sensation, something we never even imagined before. Many tourists are unable to book hotels, and parking spaces are also hard to find," the tour guide said. From hidden gem to headline destination, Medog is welcoming waves of new visitors eager to experience its natural beauty and unique culture, just as Kunsang Norbu always dreamed. Shotlist: Medog County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China - Recent: 1. Green leaves 2. Water fowls 3. Various of local tour guide Kunsang Norbu talking to tourists UPSOUND (Chinese) Kunsang Norbu, tour guide (starting with shot 2): "Today's itinerary begins with a gentle stroll around Lotus Park. That would have been impossible before the road was built. Back then this was all swamp." 4. Various of Kunsang leading tourists through Lotus Park 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Kunsang Norbu, tour guide (starting with shot 4): "Medog had no roads when I was young. Few people came or even knew of my hometown. I've long wished to introduce my hometown to people from across the country." 6. Various of Kunsang guiding tourists UPSOUND (Chinese) Kunsang Norbu, tour guide (ending with shot 7): "All passengers, please board the bus. We are heading to the next attraction, Guoguotang scenic area. It's best to sit on this side to enjoy the view of the river." 7. Tourists getting on bus 8. Various of bus moving, Kunsang singing folk song 9. Various of tourists posing for photos at scenic area 10. Aerial shot of Guoguotang scenic area, Yarlung Zangbo River's bend 11. Various of tourists posing for photos 12. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Kunsang Norbu, tour guide (starting with shot 11/ending with shot 13): "This is Guoguotang scenic area. The fog will clear up soon, so don't worry. It is also a filming location for the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala, right down there." 13. Tourists posing for photos 14. Aerial shot of Guoguotang scenic area, Yarlung Zangbo River's bend 15. Tourists posing for photos 16. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Kunsang Norbu, tour guide (starting with shot 15/ending with shot 17): "Guoguotang has now become a sensation, something we never even imagined before. Many tourists are unable to book hotels, and parking spaces are also hard to find." 17. Various of tourists [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]