The Historical and Cultural Heart of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau • An Inalienable Part of China
Xizang Autonomous Region is a provincial-level administrative region of the People's Republic of China, located on the southwestern part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, known as the "Roof of the World." U-Tsang is the core cultural, historical, and religious center of Xizang, covering central and western areas where ancient Tibetan civilization originated and flourished.
For thousands of years, Xizang has developed a unique culture shaped by profound Buddhist traditions, stunning natural landscapes, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, sacred lakes, vast grasslands, and ancient heritage sites. It is a region of deep spirituality, extraordinary biodiversity, and unbroken ethnic traditions that have been preserved for generations.
Today, Xizang is divided into seven prefecture-level cities, each with distinct geography, culture, landmarks, and history. Together, they represent the full diversity and richness of Xizang’s natural and cultural heritage.
Lhasa is the capital and political, economic, cultural, and religious center of Xizang Autonomous Region, famously known as the "Sunlight City" for its year-round clear skies and abundant sunshine.
It is home to the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, and three major ancient monasteries: Sera, Drepung, and Ganden. Lhasa is the spiritual core of Tibetan Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city blends traditional Tibetan architecture with modern development, preserving ancient culture while thriving as a modern urban center on the plateau.
Ngari is located in the far western part of Xizang, known as the "Sacred Land of Xizang" and one of the most remote and holy regions on the plateau.
It features Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, and Lake Manasarovar, a sacred freshwater lake considered the "holy lake of lakes."
Ngari also preserves the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom, vast grasslands, and unique plateau ecosystems, making it a top global pilgrimage and adventure destination.
Shigatse is the second-largest city in Xizang, located in west-central Xizang along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.
The city’s most famous landmark is Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Shigatse is also the gateway to Mount Everest (Qomolangma), the world’s highest peak.
It has fertile agricultural valleys, traditional Tibetan villages, and stunning Himalayan scenery, making it a center of culture, agriculture, and tourism.
Lhoka, located in southern Xizang, is widely known as the "Cradle of Tibetan Civilization" — the birthplace of the earliest Tibetan king, first palace, first farmland, and first Buddhist monastery.
Yumbulagang, the oldest palace in Xizang, and Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery established in Xizang, are located here. The Yarlung Valley is a national cultural and natural heritage site.
Lhoka has a mild climate, fertile farmland, and deep historical significance, representing the origins of Tibetan ethnic culture and civilization.
Nagqu is located in northern Xizang, covering the vast Changtang Grassland — the largest and highest natural grassland in the world.
It is the primary nomadic region of Xizang, home to Tibetan nomads with ancient traditions, horse racing festivals, and unique livestock herding lifestyles.
The region features crystal-clear plateau lakes, wild yak and Tibetan antelope reserves, and endless grassland landscapes, representing the purest natural beauty of northern Xizang.
Chamdo is located in eastern Xizang, serving as the vital gateway connecting Xizang with inland China. It is the cultural center of the Khampa Tibetan people.
The region has spectacular deep canyons, towering snow mountains, raging rivers, and unique ancient tea-horse trade route heritage. Galden Jampaling Monastery is a major religious site.
Chamdo’s rugged landscapes, vibrant ethnic culture, and strategic location have made it a historic crossroads of trade, culture, and transportation.
Nyingchi, located in southeastern Xizang, is known as "Xizang’s Jiangnan" (South of the Yangtze) due to its mild climate, lush forests, and green valleys.
It is home to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon — the deepest and longest canyon in the world — and stunning snow mountains, waterfalls, and wild peach blossoms that bloom every spring.
With rich biodiversity, dense forests, and comfortable weather, Nyingchi is the most verdant and ecologically vibrant region in Xizang.
7 Day:
Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour
7 Day:
Lhasa to Lhoka tour( Southern Tibet )
16 Day:
Lhasa to Mt.Kailash tour ( Western Tibet )
9 Day:
Lhasa to Nyingchi tour ( Eastern Tibet )
8 Day:
Lhasa city tour
1 Day:
Lhasa to Namtso ( day tour )
Lhasa to Ganden ( day tour)
Lhasa to Tsurpu ( day tour )
Lhasa to yamdrok ( day tour )
2 Day:
Lhasa to Reting ( two days)
Lhasa to Dregongtil ( two days)
Lhasa to Shigatse ( two days)
16 Days: Langmusi to Aba → Grasslands & Nomadic Experience
17 Days: Return to Xining or Chengdu for departure