First guide dog in Tibet helps owner break barriers

Fuju responds to Tibetan commands as he guides his owner Dachung through daily life in the capital Lhasa.

Palden Nyima, Daqiong, and Guo Yanqi

Palden Nyima, Daqiong, and Guo Yanqi

China Daily

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Dachung and his guide dog Fuju wait for their friend in a parking lot in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY

July 2, 2025

LHASA – Fuju, the first guide dog in the Xizang autonomous region, has become a symbol of hope and independence for his owner, Dachung. The canine fluently responds to Tibetan commands as he guides his owner through daily life in Lhasa.

Despite his blindness, Dachung has never stopped pursuing his dreams. He founded Xizang’s first band made up of visually impaired musicians, Kada Gabu, in 2014. They perform traditional Tibetan music. In 2021, he launched a Tibetan incense business, which reaches markets across China.

His next goal is a “Dialogue with Darkness” experience center in Lhasa, where he hopes to foster understanding between the blind and the sighted. “We want to let people step into our world and, in doing so, learn to cherish their own,” Dachung said.

At his side through it all is Fuju, the dog who sees for him and walks every step with quiet loyalty.

First guide dog in Tibet’s Lhasa helps owner break barriers

Dachung plays flute at home as Fuju rests beside him in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY

First guide dog in Tibet’s Lhasa helps owner break barriers

Dachung and his guide dog Fuju pose for a picture while visiting the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY

First guide dog in Tibet’s Lhasa helps owner break barriers

Dachung makes a phone call at his Tibetan incense workshop in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY

First guide dog in Tibet’s Lhasa helps owner break barriers

Dachung (left) and his guide dog Fuju pose for a picture with a tourist in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY

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