Local Tibetans in the Kala village have a archery contest on Friday. [Photo by Palden Nyima/China Daily]

"More than 500 families operated inns in 2016, and more than 10,000 local residents have benefited from a family income rise by being involved in the tourism industry," said Tenzin Samdrup, the director of the city's tourism development commission.

"One of our main measures is to encourage more rural residents to be involved in tourism businesses, such as operating inns and selling local products," said Tenzin Samdrup.

Tenzin also said that thanks to their encouragement and the popularity of tourism in the region, the motivation of villagers involved in tourism has largely increased.

During the four-day event, both tourists and local residents enjoy activities such as having picnics under peach trees, watching ethnic performances and seeing Tibetan archery contests and ethnic traditional sports.

The villagers of Kala see the gala as a chance to make money, with the average annual per capita net income of the village reaching17,000 yuan ($2,468).

Ogyen, a villager of Kala who has been in the yak-riding business for many years, said tourism is the main income resource for his family.