Xizang's Markham vineyards blooms on world stage

As spring arrives in Markham county in Chamdo, Xizang autonomous region, vineyards are budding back to life, signaling the start of a new growing season.

Fed by intense high-altitude sunlight and snowmelt from nearby mountains, the grapes grown here will, in a few months, be transformed into wines increasingly finding a place on the global stage.

Located at the crossroads of Xizang, Sichuan, and Yunnan, Markham has a winemaking history dating back to the mid-18th century, when grapevines were introduced along the ancient Tea Horse Road.

In 2011, local entrepreneur Losang Tsering, working with experts from Northwest A&F University, launched Damiyong, the region's first commercial wine label. In March this year, Damiyong wines were featured at the ProWein International Trade Fair for Wine & Spirits in Dusseldorf, Germany.

According to China Xizang Online, Chotso, general manager of Xizang Markham Zangdong Treasures Wine, presented the wines. "The ProWein recognition was a moment of immense pride," Chotso said.

After returning to her hometown in 2014, she joined her elder brother in managing their family's vineyards. Two years later, she introduced a development model that united local communities to cultivate over 66.67 hectares of vineyards, doubling rural incomes and revitalizing the local economy.

Markham is now at the forefront of China's agricultural development efforts, with plans to establish a modern agricultural industrial park and a grape industry cluster to promote winery upgrades and research.

The government also aims to form a regional wine association to ensure sustainable industry growth.

The county boasts 216 hectares of cultivated vineyards, six enterprises, and over 80 family-run wineries. Together, they produced 2,180 metric tons of wine in 2025, contributing 131 million yuan ($19 million) to the local economy.