Kangding is the gateway to the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture and is located about six hours west of Chengdu by
bus. There are also short-haul flights from Chengdu. Once in
Kangding, you are at the crossroads of Tibetan and Han culture.
This cultural crossover can be observed in the narrow streets of
Kangding, especially near the main square where Tibetans spin
prayer wheels next to a Chinese opera stage.
Two hours up the road, the canyon levels out onto the
grasslands of Tagong, a small town with traditionally decorated
Tibetan homes and beautiful monasteries. In the summer, a
horse-racing festival is held, attracting ever-increasing numbers
of visitors each year.
If you have the time and energy for more rigorous travel,
one of the most unique locations in mainland China is located in
the northwestern corner of Sichuan — home of the Larung Gar
Five Sciences Buddhist Academy in Seda County, near Garzê
Town. Here you can witness 10,000 monks and nuns living in a
city of red houses that blankets the hills, perfectly contrasting
with the green grasslands and clear blue sky.
Still developing as a tourist destination, the Garzê Tibetan
Autonomous Prefecture is a great location for travelers looking
for something different without the hassle of organizing permits
and guides for the neighboring Tibetan Autonomous Region.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES (@PHILIPPE LEJEANVRE)/ TOP PHOTO GROUP
