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Sunday marks the 51st anniversary of the Serf Emancipation Day in Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. 51 years ago, millions of Tibetan serfs ushered in a whole new chapter by ending centuries of feudalism.

On the eve of the festival, the autonomous region's chairman spearheaded celebrations with a speech highlighting the region's progress.

The Potala Palace has witnessed the many ups and downs of Tibetan history over the centuries.

An indelible part of history chronicles the misery the serfs have endured.

For centuries, Tibetan serfs were tied to their owners’land and enslaved. Day in and day out, they endured terrible conditions, which all brought an unimaginable heavy toll.

The seemingly endless dark days came to an end 51 years ago on March 28th. On that day, the central government announced it would dissolve the aristocratic local government and begin the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The reforms have brought democratic change and development.

Padma Choling, Chairman, Tibet Autonomous Region, said, "From darkness to brightness, from poverty to prosperity, from backwardness to being progressive, from dictatorship to democracy, from a closed society to opening-up, Tibet has marched towards its new era since that day. The day is an important watershed which separates the old Tibet from the new .. And it's worth commemorating forever."

Sunday marks the 51st anniversary of the Serf Emancipation Day in Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. [CCTV]

Tibet has made great strides ever since. With the support of the central government and other parts of the country, Tibet's achievements in the past 51 years have been remarkable.

Padma Choling, Chairman, Tibet Autonomous Region, said, "In 2009, the Gross Domestic Product of Tibet reached 44.136 billion yuan, up 12.4 percent from the previous year. Its per capita income reached 3,532 yuan, up 11.2 percent from 2008. The ongoing housing projects for low-income families, has benefited more than 230,000 farmers, and 1.2 million herdsmen. It will cover all the farmers and herdsmen in need this year."

One sector that is booming is tourism. Last year, Tibet received more than 56.1 million visits, a 41.5 percent increase on the previous year.

And Tibet's traditional culture and its religious belief have been under strong protection, guaranteed by the country's legal framework. Many local residents are looking ahead, with high hopes of being able to achieve sustainable development and overall social progress.