LHASA — Nagchu in Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region was officially reclassified as a city on May 7.

Nagchu, previously a prefecture, officially became the city with the highest altitude in China. Nagchu has now become the sixth prefecture-level city in Tibet, following regional capital Lhasa, Chamdo, Shigatse, Nyingchi and Lhokha.

Nagchu city, which covers an area of 42 million hectares, has rich resources in terms of animals, plants, and Tibetan herbs.

The move is “a significant step” for the development of Nagchu, and will bring more opportunities for the city, according to the local government.