Work to elevate Lhokha, in the Tibet autonomous region's south, into a prefecture-level city is in full swing, according to a news release issued by the local government on Wednesday.

Lhokha was raised to its new status by the State Council in January, and the city's elevation ceremony will take place on May 27 — making it the fifth prefecture-level city in the region.

Located at an average altitude of 3,700 meters, Lhokha is known as the birthplace of Tibetan culture and is home to many firsts, such as Tibet's first palace, first monastery, first castle and first village.

It is also a tourist destination, famous for the Yardrok Yutso Lake, the Samye Monastery, the Mondroling Monastery, and the Tombs of the Tibetan Kings.

Lhokha's GDP hit 11.36 billion yuan ($1.74 billion) last year, its rural per capita disposable income reached 8,991 yuan, and urban per capita disposable income 23,881 yuan.

It also received 2.35 million tourists in 2015, an increase of 23 percent year-on-year, and tourism revenue hit 190 million yuan, an increase of 22 percent year-on-year.