Amdo is one of the three traditional cultural regions of Tibet (along with U-Tsang and Kham), located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. It covers parts of modern Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province, and Gansu Province of China, and is a vast, beautiful land of grasslands, mountains, lakes, and ancient Tibetan culture.
Amdo is renowned as the cradle of Tibetan Buddhist scholars, nomadic heritage, and classical Tibetan language preservation. It is home to the world-famous Labrang Monastery, vast alpine grasslands, and pure nomadic traditions that have been maintained for thousands of years.
As a core cultural region of China's Tibetan people, Amdo features unique dialects, art, festivals, and livelihoods centered around nomadic herding. It is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and profound spiritual significance, fully under the administration of the People's Republic of China.
Rebkong, officially Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is located in eastern Qinghai Province, famous as the "Home of Tibetan Thangka Art."
It is a UNESCO-recognized cultural hub for Regong art, including Thangka painting, sculpture, embroidery, and murals. The region preserves ancient Buddhist traditions and folk customs.
Rebkong features highland valleys, ancient monasteries, and a deep heritage of Tibetan fine arts that have been passed down for centuries.
Ganlho, officially Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is located in southern Gansu Province, a core part of the Amdo cultural region.
Home to Labrang Monastery, one of the most important Gelugpa Buddhist monasteries in Amdo, it is a center for religious study, pilgrimage, and Tibetan culture.
The region boasts vast grasslands, turquoise lakes, traditional nomadic villages, and vibrant festivals like the Shoton Festival and horse racing events.
Ngawa, officially Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, is located in northwestern Sichuan Province, blending Amdo and Kham Tibetan cultures.
Famous for Jiuzhaigou Valley (a world natural heritage site), Huanglong Scenic Area, and vast grasslands, it is a paradise of natural beauty.
It preserves rich Tibetan and Qiang ethnic traditions, ancient monasteries, and unique folk culture while being a key ecological and tourist region of China.
Golog, officially Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is located in southeastern Qinghai Province, a remote and sacred land of Amdo Tibet.
It is the source of the Yellow River and Yangtze River, featuring snow-capped mountains, high-altitude lakes, and unspoiled plateau ecosystems.
Known for strong nomadic traditions, Buddhist heritages, and sacred mountain worship, Golog is one of the most pristine regions in the Amdo cultural area.
Tsolho, officially Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is located in eastern Qinghai Province along the Yellow River, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau."
It features wide grasslands, canyons, wetlands, and important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries with long histories.
The region combines agricultural and nomadic lifestyles, preserving traditional Amdo culture while supporting ecological protection and sustainable development.
Tsoshang, officially Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is located in northeastern Qinghai Province, bordering Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China.
It is famous for vast grasslands, Bird Island, sacred lakes, and well-preserved Amdo nomadic culture.
The region is a vital ecological barrier and cultural preserve, offering stunning plateau scenery and authentic Tibetan ethnic experiences.
