ABA  阿坝镇  (Ngawa) in Amdo/Gyarong (northern Sichuan)   area code 0837  /  zip code 624600

Alt: 3200 m   Population: 12,000 (60,000 county)   People: Tibetan (90%), Han (6%), Qiang (4%)   Weather: Click here.

Description: Capital of Aba Tibetan and Qiang AP (Autonomous Prefecture), est. 1953, which includes Wolong Panda Reserve, Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou within its borders. Less than 30 km from the borders of both Qinghai and Gansu provinces. A slightly windswept town on a high grassland plateau, surrounded by gorgeous country literally dotted with monasteries. An important centre of trade and amusement for the many nomads who herd these lands of northern Aba AP, and whose yak-skin tents dot the landscape.

History: Once a major trading town, owing in part to its local resource - gold, as well as lots of other minerals. Qiang people are believed by many to be the ancestors of both the Tibetan and Han peoples. Aba has been under the influence since the 8c when Tibetan troops first arrived here.

Points of Interest: 40+ monasteries county-wide representing a real cross-section of religion (Geluk, Nyingma, Jonang, Bön). Kirti gompa (Geluk) in town centre, founded 1472, one of the largest monasteries in the county, ~1000 monks. Ser gompa (Jonangpa) - also large. Narshi gompa - Tibet's largest Bön gompa. Mt. Nyenpo Yurtse (5369m) - north of town, one of the most sacred mountains in the Golok region.

Festivals: Hongyuan Horse Racing Festival (lunar 7.15), Zachong Festival (Jul 15-17)

AMNYE MACHEN  阿尼玛卿  in Amdo (SE Qinghai)

Alt: ~4000 m   People: Golok and Amdo Tibetan   Weather: Click here.

Description: Amnye Machen is positioned on the remote grasslands on the south-western edge of the Amdo area in the heart of the nomadic Golok people's country, stretching almost 30km in length. Its snow is the source for both the Yangtze and Yellow rivers. South of here the land breaks up into the high mountains and deep valleys of Kham. The snowy peaks of the Amnye Machen (Magyel Pomra) range are scene as sacred by all the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as Bön followers and the Golok nomads. Its main peak - Machen Gangri ( 6282m) - is considered home of Machen Pomra, a very powerful worldly protector god, and one of the most important deities in Amdo, Though many have died in the trying, it remains unscaled. Every year thousands of pilgrims come here to do the kora (7 to 9 days), especially in the Tibetan Year of the Horse. The western starting point of the kora is the small Guri gompa (Nyingma), formerly the seat of Dzogchen master Thubten Tsering up until his death.

BAIMA SNOW MOUNTAIN Nature Reserve  白马雪山保护区  in NW Yunnan   area code 0887

Alt: from 2080 m to 5430 m    Population: ~9000 (distributed across about 100 villages)   Weather: Click here

Description: Located between Zhongdian and Deqin, it's Yunnan's largest (and highest) state nature reserve, in the middle section of Hengduan mountain range. Given the drastic altitude change within a relatively small area, spanning over 3000 metres (it's highest point is the 5430-m Zalaqueni peak), as well as the Yangtze and Zhubalong rivers which cut through the reserve, it's no surprise that this is an incredibly bio-diverse area. Though chances of seeing them rare, some species of Class-A that inhabit this region are snow leopards, clouded leopards, and golden monkeys. Owing to its protected status, it boasts some of the most preserved old growth forests, and some stunning gorges. People who live here are mainly Tibetan; the bulk of their income comes from collection of songrong (matsutaki) - highly valued in Japan especially, they're the cause of the occasional turf war!

BAISHUITAI  白水台  (White Water Terraces) in NW Yunnan   area code 0887

Alt: 2380 m

Description:Located on the back road between Lijiang and Zhongdian, near the village of Sanba, at Baidi village. Cradle of Naxi culture, according to some. An intriguing natural formation of cascading karst terraces, the result of a continuous piling up of calcite sediments resulting from the disintegration of calcium bicarbonate in the water, covering up 3 sq. km. Particularly lively during Sanduo Festival, when people gather here to sing and dance & slaughter chickens while paying homage to the founding father of the Naxi people, who settled here to spread his beliefs on his way back from Tibet, many many years ago.

Festivals: Sanduo Festival (lunar 2.8), Honouring the White Mountain (lunar 2.10), Bathing Day (lunar 11.2)

BAIYU  白玉  (Pelyul) in Kham (western Sichuan)   area code 0836  /  zip code 627150

Alt: 3260 m    Population: 6,000 (41,000 county)   People: Kham Tibetan (93%), Han (7%)    Weather: Click here.

Description: County capital (called Jianshe Zhen). Straddled along the northern banks of Horpo River in an extremely remote area, just a stone’s throw from the TAR border to the east. Traders, miners and Khampan cowboys form the backdrop of this town.

History: A prosperous trading town back when Pelyul was part of the Dêrge kingdom. Historically (and to this day) a focal point for the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Today its architecture reflects a strong Tibetan style, the streets are lined with trees, and the Ding-chu river runs right through town.

Points of Interest: Katok gompa - an hour out of town, one of the biggest power bases of the Nyingmapa school (as true today as ever), founded early 12c, once housing over 1000 monks. Pelyul gompa (Nyingma) set atop hill behind town, founded 17c under auspices of its royal patron, the king of Dêrge, over 100 monks today, serves as a school of traditional Tibetan medicine.

BAMEI  八美  (Garthar) in Kham (NW Sichuan)   area code 0836

People: Kham Tibetan

Description: Transit town, up until 1998 a lumber yard once ran half the length of the town and the town’s main source of income came from the proceeds of the lumber traffic.

History: DL11 was born here.

Points of Interest: Garthar gompa (Huiyuan Monastery) (Geluk) dates to 1729 when Qing court invited DL7 to the area, allocating resources for the construction of a monastery, thrice reconstructed, a rich interior includes golden tiles, dharma wheels and thangkas. Qianyan Stone Forest covers 5 sq. km. - similar to stone forests in Guangxi and Guizhou. Yala Sacred Mountain and grassland with glaciers, waterfalls, high mountains, lakes, hot springs.

BANGDA  帮达  (Pomda) in Kham (eastern TAR)   area code 0895

Alt: 3780 m    Population: 7,000   People: Tibetan

Description: Set on a broad plain of the Yu-chu river valley, Bangda is a crossroads town at its most purest, built by the largish military base nearby. It's got the basic facilities in town - couple of shopfronts, restaurant, place to stay, and that's about it. It's a three-fork junction, with the road heading out due north leading to Chamdo, the road westwards to Lhasa, and the road southeast to Sichuan and Yunnan. Not too far from Bangda, following the road to Chamdo, is the world's highest airport, built 1978 at elevation 4300m, though it didn't become operational till 1994.

Points of Interest: Sangak Dechen - small Geluk sub-monastery of Chamdo gompa.

BAOSHAN STONE CITY  宝山石头城  in NW Yunnan   area code 0888

Population: about 100 families   People: Naxi   

Description: An ancient town built atop a huge outcropping of rock. About 100km north of Lijiang within the 2nd bend of the Yangtze, quite near the Yangtze River. Houses here built in stone, either upon the rock or on the surrounding hills. Pristine village. The surrounding landscape is gorgeous. Very lush and green, remote villages set in the hills, separated by terraced fields.

History: Built during the Yuan Dynasty between 1277 and 1294. Settled early on by Naxi people.

BAQING  巴青  (Bachen) in Kham (NE TAR)   area code 0896  /  zip code 852100

Alt: avg 4500 m (county-wide)   Population: 7,000 (36,000 county)   People: Kham Tibetans

Description: Tibetan name means Big Yak Fur Tent. It's the centre of the Horjyad nomads.　Baqing city itself (named Laxi Township) not tremendously inspiring - a bit muddy and run-down. But valleys and passes around the town do inspire.

BASONG LAKE  巴松错  (Draksum Tso) in Ü-Tsang (east central TAR)

Alt: m   Population:   People: Tibetan

Description: Especially sacred for Nyingmapa order - is surrounded by forest and soaring white-capped mountains. Huge Tibetan tents on its shores provide lodging. There’s a small 17c gompa on the island in the lake. Has gotten unfortunately touristic in recent years.

Points of Interest: .

BASU 八宿  (Pasho/Pema) in Kham (eastern TAR)   area code 0895  /   zip code 854600

Alt: 2600 m   Population: 5,500 (40,000 county)   People: Tibetan

Description: Basu is the county capital (called Baima Zhen) of Tsawo Pasho county, in the mid Salween basin, an area of alpine forests.

History:

Points of Interest: Neru gompa - built '90, an imposing Tsongkhapa figure in main central hall tells you it's Geluk; in back main hall is Maitreya; 80+ monks.

BATANG  巴塘  (Bathang) in Kham (extreme western Sichuan)   area code 0836  /   zip code 627650

Alt: 2670 m   Population: 10,000 (51,000 county)   People: Kham Tibetan (94%)   Weather: Click here.

Description: County capital (called Xiaqiong Zhen) is set in a wide, prosperous valley with a mild climate, along side the Batang River, 32 km east of the border between Sichuan and the TAR (demarcated by the Yangtze). While a small town, in these parts it rates as quite a hub of activity (boasts its own radio station) owing to flow of trans-border traffic made of truckers plying the Lhasa-Chengdu route. The Batang area is an extreme, unforgiving environment, where nomadic pastoralism is uniquely suited.

History: Once a politically important southern state in Kham, ruled by hereditary lay rulers until mid 19c, after which by Lhasa-appointed regents. The Gelukpa school (the DL's school) has been established here since the 16c under DL3. Relatively long history of foreign contact in the guise of missionaries and Chinese settlers (earliest for this region). Independent of Lhasa throughout the 19c and 20c. Among one of the first places in area to be subdued by the Chinese in the Sino-Tibetan wars of the early 20c, during which the castles of the Bathang chieftains were destroyed along with the Bathang monastery.

Points of Interest: Bathang gompa (Geluk since 1639), where some 400 monks reside (destroyed early 20c, it's been gradually repaired over the years). Jakyung Rito Pendeling Gon – smaller and older.

Festivals: Cuopu valley Horse Racing Festival (Tib. 6), Yangle Festival (Sep 10-17)

BENZILAN  奔子兰  (Pontselang) in NW Yunnan on the Yangtze   area code 0887

Alt: 2240 m    Population: 10,000 (township)   People: over 90% Tibetan   Weather: Click here.

Description: A small one-road Tibetan mountain village with the Jinsha River below, and Sichuan Province just across the river. A regular stop off for those headed to or fro Zhongdian (only 3 hours away, but be warned the road is a bit hairy at times, but great scenery to divert one’s attention). An idyllic setting, the attractive villages and hill paths are worth exploring.

History: Historically, Benzilan was a prominent stop on 2 ancient trade routes – the Southwest Silk Road from Chengdu (ancient capital) to Yunnan, Burma and beyond, as well as the Tea Horse Road going between Yunnan and Lhasa - in fact, tea from all over China was known to Tibetans as ‘Benzilan Tea’ as this used to be the last major staging post (a long time ago...).

Points of Interest: Yilin Monastery north of town – getting here involves a short walk uphill from the road; Dongzhulin (Tongtaling) gompa (Geluk) on the eastern slope of Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve, overlooking a valley, in the middle of a compound of attractive, spacious timber monk residences, it’s the county’s second largest, and is a sub-monastery of Songzanlin (county's largest), now 200 and growing. Shusong Nunnery (Geluk) located at original site of Dongzhulin gompa, just up the road, also a sub-monastery of Songzanlin, it's a practicing nunnery and as such, very rare indeed!

Festivals: Cham dances (lunar 9.28-29), Dongzhulin lama dances (lunar 12.26-29)

BOMI  波密  (Tramog) in Kham (eastern TAR)   area code 0894  /  zip code 860300

Alt: 2750 m   Population: 7,000 (31,000 county)   People: Tibetan   Weather: Click here.

Description: County capital (called Zamu Town) set deep in a densely forested gorge of Parlung Tsangpo. The winds blowing in from India make for a unique sub-tropical climate here. Clear days offer views of Jiabawa peak. The area around here is well-known for its terma - treasure texts placed here in the time of Guru Rinpoche (tantric master who converted native gods of Tibet into protectors of Buddhism), and rediscovered in this case in the 14c and 17c. Amongst other things these texts revealed the existence of hidden valleys lying to the south towards Metok (Pemako), one of Tibet's 'hidden' lands.

History: In pre-modern times (pre-1950s) ruled by hereditary monarchs whose status in the eyes of Lhasa was quite high owing to their claims for being descended from Tibet's early kings (from 9c and before). Indeed Bomi was formerly known as Bowo, meaning 'ancestors'. The State of Po-me - considered a 'frontier region' with large numbers of Mönpa and Lopa people - was generally sufficiently strong and wealthy enough to stay independent of the Lhasa government, though a refusal to pay taxes in the 1920s (to support Tibet's first ever standing army) led to gov't campaign against Po-me and the deposing of its king in 1926.

Points of Interest: Totung gompa up on a hill.

Festivals: Shiba village Bear Fighting Festival (Tib 5.15)

CHANGDU  昌都  (Chamdo) in Kham (NE TAR)   area code 0895   /   zip code 854000

Alt: 3240 m   Population:        People: Tibetan   Weather: Click here.

Description: At the foot of Mt. Dhamala on a spit of land in a narrow valley unsuitable for much in the way of agriculture, at the confluence of 2 rivers - Dza-chu and Ngom-chu - in big time gorge country. Eastern TAR's biggest city, long considered the eastern gateway into central Tibet. Heavily modernised over the years.

History: In pre-modern times the capital of the lama-ruled State of Chamdo was based here. Major staging post on the Tea Horse Trade Road. During Yuan Dynasty a major post station was built here, and then during Ming, it was further renovated, and soon both the Northern and Southern Post Routes (used by envoys to deliver imperial edicts - back in the day, to travel from the east coast to Lhasa would require somewhere over two months) passed through Chamdo. From 1917 on its capital was the centre of Lhasa's administration of Kham (i.e. responsible for collecting taxes). Captured by the Chinese in 1918 during Sino-Tibetan war (during which time Chamdo gompa destroyed), Tibetans retook the city in 1918 (albeit for a short time only).

Points of Interest: Chambaling gompa, an important early gompa founded 15c by a disciple of Tsongkhapa, once the largest and richest (hundreds of Buddha statues, murals, frescoes) Geluk monastery in Kham, and along with Jyekundo gompa in today's Yushu, most important Gelukpa monastery in Kham, totally destroyed in early 20c Sino-Tibetan wars. Kanuo ruins - 12 km southeast of town, rich site dating back over 4000 years.

Festivals: Chambaling Butter Lamp Festival (Tib 1.15)

CHENGDU  成都  in central Sichuan   area code 028  /  zip code 610000

Alt: 500 m   Population: 4 million   People: Han   Weather: Click here.

Description: The cultural capital of China's western frontier, provincial capital of Sichuan, and home to the administration offices of most of Kham. Lying along the Jin River in Sichuan’s basin, a temperate climate. On the main boulevards are ultra modern, upscale hotels and shops, intersected by mazes of narrow, crooked side streets winding past traditional neighborhoods of cobbled streets, sidewalk markets, peddlers of every sort, hot pot eateries, and tea houses. Pedicabs, bicycles, bull carts and oversized wheelbarrows vie for space with motorcycles and an increasing number of luxury cars. A profusion of trees and overhanging flowers. Daily and weekend open-air markets, department stores, wholesale markets - almost any item can be found here. The teahouse culture sets Chengdu apart from every other Chinese city. Going back centuries, teahouses have long been the site of political and social gatherings. Shut down China-wide by the government after the revolution for their political nature, teahouses in Chengdu were the first to reopen. Found spilling out onto sidewalks, on monastery grounds, in parks and along the river, hours easily idled away over a cup of tea.

History: Founded over 2400 years ago in the Warring States Period, an ancient capital during the Three Kingdoms period, dating back to the earliest Chinese legends, Chengdu has been the 'capital' of the Southwest, dominating the region both culturally and economically. Since the break-up the the Han dynasty, it's been a pivotal source of dissent and independent though, and indeed, many of the revolutionary elite of the last century have hailed from Chengdu and its environs (Deng Xiao-Ping being a notable example).

Points of Interest: Wenshu Monastery, replete with park grounds, tea house and a vegetarian restaurant, where urbanites seek refuge to watch or participate in boisterous singing shows, classical musical groups, Tai Qi and dancing groups. River Viewing Pavilion Park with over 100 varieties of bamboo. The UN award-winning Panda Research Base (the world's most successful) is home to both the Greater Panda as well as the smaller, raccoon-like red pandas (which aren't actually pandas at all...), and has a museum which provides in graphic detail the process for artificially inseminating pandas. Chinese medicine market. Du Fu Cottage housing also the Du Fu Study Society and Du Fu Museum, containing the works of this 8th century poet considered by most to be China's greatest. Sichuan Opera neighbourhood performance - it's got a long and distinguished history, mirroring the history and the legends of the region. The riverside - teahouses, a bar, a roving masseuse. Living Water Garden on banks of Fu River. Qingyang Gong – a very nice Daoist temple. Antique markets, selling lots of Mao memorabilia.

Wireless hotspots: Coffee Beanery, Peter's Tex-Mex, Grandma's Kitchen.   Recommended Website: ChengduLIFE

CHUXIONG  楚雄  in west central Yunnan   area code 0878  /  zip code 675000

Alt: 1860 m   Population: 2.6 million   People: Han (65%) & Yi (25%)   Weather: Click here.

History: .

Description: Capital of Chuxiong AP, situated between Kunming and Dali; a county-level city containing 9 counties.

Points of Interest:

Festivals: Horse Cherry Blossom Festival, Dragon Spirit Festival (lunar 1.2-4), Putting Up Flowers (King Tree Festival) (lunar 2.8).

CIZHONG  茨中  in NW Yunnan on the Mekong   area code 0887

Alt: 1980 m   People: Naxi, Tibetan, Lisu    

Description: A picturesque wine-producing village with temperate weather and a gurgling brook, surrounded by fields of barley and corn, and the roaring Mekong.

History: It’s said that missionaries of Cizhong helped the Yunnan governor to make gunpowder to suppress Muslim rebellion (1856-1872). At the end of the 19c the Church switched efforts from converting Tibetans within Tibet to those living in Yunnan and Sichuan. In Cizhong, the original priest arranged for the construction of a small stone church, and even planted a vineyard of French grapes. He and others that followed were very successful in converting a large number of the locals to Catholicism, and the church is still in use today – about half of the local villagers consider themselves Catholic, and will attend church whenever a roving cleric visits town. The original vineyards still yield grapes, from which a very earthy wine is produced every year - grapes picked in August, the wine aged for a month minimum.

Points of Interest: Catholic Church - built of stone in 1895 after the church in neighbouring Cigu (immediately south of Cizhong) was burned down by local Tibetan monks; unlike your average Catholic Church, there is a yin and yang symbol painted on the ceiling. A new church in Cigu, also Catholic. Grave markers of missionaries who were killed w/in one week of each other. 

Festivals: Kuoshi Festival (lunar 1.1-15), Sword Pole Festival (lunar 2.8)

DALI  大理  in western Yunnan   area code 0872  /  zip code 671003

Alt: 2000 m   Population: 60,000 (township)   Weather: Click here

People: Bai (majority), Yi, Hui and Han

History: From about 729, with the uniting of 6 chiefdoms, the Nanzhao Kingdom was formed, capital at Dali. Lasting over 200 years, at its peak its borders stretched well into Southeast Asia. Its people are the ancestors of Yunnan’s Dai and Yao minorities today. It was toppled in 937 by a Bai warlord who executed the royal family and in turn established the smaller, less ambitious Kingdom of Dali, which lasted up until 1254 when the Kingdom, as with everywhere else in China, succumbed to the invading Mongols. Still, all was relatively quiet and unchanged until 1858, when the Muslim rebel leader Du Wen-Xiu rose against the Qing (Manchu) government and declared an independent state. When the Manchus finally managed to squash this rebellion once and for all (in 1873), Dali was absolutely devastated, large numbers of the population being summarily executed, and the city was never again to hold its once prominent position.

Description: Nestled between the vast blue Erhai lake to the east and the lushly forested 3000m+ Cangshan mountain range to the west, the little town of Dali – seat of the Bai minority - has undergone a huge transformation over the years. The original 'backpacker hangout', with its myriad cafes, has given way to a very polished slick look, the previously rough cobbled streets dug up and replaced with a smoother, shinier version more in tune with large tour groups than the independent traveller. That said, there are still some rather charming streets to be wandered.

Points of Interest: Erhai Lake, 3 miles wide by 25 miles long is home to small communities of Bai fishermen, who still engage in the dwindling practice of using leashed cormorants to catch fish. The Cangshan to the west, stretching 50 km from north to south, peaks ranging from 3-4000m, where a morning's hike up the hill is rewarded by a hot meal and tea, crisp air and grand views. The lush 3240m Jizu Mountain on the other side of Erhai. Its importance in Buddhism is on a par with Emei Shan, owing to the belief that the bodies of one of Shakyamuni’s students is believed to be sealed here until the advent of Buddha Maitreya. Views of Erhai to the west and Yulong Jade Dragon mountain to the north can be had. Local markets.

Festivals: Birthay of the Hunting God (lunar 1.14-16), Jizushan Festival (lunar 1.1), Third Month Street Fair (lunar 3.15-20), Butterfly Festival (lunar 4.15), Visiting the Three Spirits (lunar 4.23-25), Planting Ceremony (lunar 5.5), Torch Festival (lunar 6.24), Making Merry with the Waves (lunar 8.15), Mid-Autumn Fair (lunar 8.23)

DANBA  丹巴  (Rongmi Drango) in the Gyarong region (western Sichuan)   area code 0836   /  zip code 626300

Alt: 3340 m   Population: 5,000/58,000 (county)   People: Tibetan (4 different nationalities), Hui   Weather: Click here

Description: A smallish town (Zhanggu Town) with steep crooked roads at the confluence of 2 rivers, deep in the Gyarong valley and well out of the way of most travellers' paths. Geographically, the Gyarong region is defined by a river valley gorge which cuts a wide swath running north to south, starting just below Aba and extending down to Luding. Tibetans in the Gyarong valley are distinct from those in Kham and Amdo, their language more similar to Qiang and Pumi. In Danba itself there are no less than 4 different Tibetan nationalities living here, speaking 4 fairly mutually incomprehensible Tibetan dialects, as well as following different customs and traditions.

History: Seat of the 18c Gyarong Kingdom which covered the area east and north-east of Hor (present-day Ganzi). Up until 1949, the tribes of Gyarong were organised into 18 partly-Tibetanised petty kingdoms, independent of Lhasa.

Points of Interest: An 18c Gelukpa monastery is just north-east of town. It's home to a living Buddha and a large number of students. Just a bit further on is a small, very lively and active temple built to honour the nearby 5000m Mt. Yamamurta (Tib. Gyelmo Murdo). With 56 peaks, it’s a sacred mountain known to all Tibetans as abode of an immensely powerful mountain deity. As Yamamurta was a figure honoured by all branches of Tibetan Buddhism, the temple here is non-denominational. Very fit souls looking to improve their karma are welcome to do the 2-day hike up and down the mountain. The rest of us sinners can admire from below. At Supo township, downstream on the Dadu River, one can see the highest concentration of the ancient watchtowers found in this area, some over 1000 years old. 26 km from town is Valley of Beautiful Women. Old Tibetan houses in Suopo township, built of stone and wood and coming in many shapes andsizes.

Festivals: Flower Festival (lunar 6.18), Yamameurta Temple Festival (lunar 7.10), Gyarong Festival (Beauty Pageant), Lantern Lighting Festival (lunar 8.15),Gyarong New Year (lunar 11.12)

DAOCHENG  稻城  (Dapba) in Kham (SW Sichuan)   area code 0836  /  zip code 627750

Alt: 3730 m   Population: 7,000 (31,000 county)   People: Tibetan (96%)   Weather: Click here

Description: To the north of town (called Jinzhu Town) is a 4-5000m high plateau (formed by Gonggashan and Haizishan mountains) where, in ancient times, glaciers once existed. Now the terrain is dotted with high mountain lakes and lunar-like rock formations. Daocheng itself is the back of beyond - a wee 2-street Tibetan town surrounded by wild country, where the hills and mountains all have a religious connection in the eyes of the local Tibetan residents. Long isolated from the outside world, they are still adapting to the exotic site of foreign faces who are part of a small trickle of visitors passing through Daocheng on their way to Yading National Park and its 3 sacred mountains.

History: Similar situation to Xiangcheng - this area was technically under the control of the State of Chagla (centred around today's Kangding to the north) but was always quite independent. In the early 1900s the Qing government tried to bring this area more under its control, sparking wide-spread revolt. Local Tibetans took this opportunity to relieve several Chinese garrisons of their arms, and the entire area south of Kangding reverted to local-strong-man rule, with the Gonggaling area considered especially bandit-ridden.

Points of Interest: Yangteng gompa (Xiongdeng Monastery), built in the Ming Dynasty as a Kagyüpa monastery, later converted to Gelukpa in the 17c. The most important monastery in the county, it houses tens of thousands of Buddhist scriptures, as well as many Buddha figures, including a sandalwood statue of Shakyamuni. Gonggaling Monastery (Geluk), in a village on the way to Yading, contains an exquisite bronze statue of Maitreya (the Future Buddha) presented by DL5. The riverside Benpo gompa (Bön), built 1144 and recently reconstructed, is home to 100 monks. Rubachaka Hot Spring village, which was built up around natural hot springs, and now boasts private bathhouses at which visitors can soak. Mt. Haizi (lit. Mountain of Lakes), paralleling the Daocheng R. on the way into town, also known as “old ice cap of Daocheng” is a beautiful high plateau dotted with 1145 mountain lakes and freak geological formations caused by glacial erosion.

Wireless hotspots: in Riwa (60 km south of Daocheng) at the nicest restaurant in town (west end)

DAOFU  道孚  (Dawu) in Kham (western Sichuan)   area code 0836  /  zip code 626400

Alt: 3040 m   Population: 8,500 (51,000 county)   People: Tibetan (89%), Han    Weather: Click here

Description: Daofu (county seat called Xianshui Town) is laid out along the Jianshui River, a tributary of the Yalong. Tibetan name means colt owing to the horse-like geography of the town. A prosperous farming community, as evidenced by the number of fine houses seen countywide, fields of barley, wheat and potatoes are common. Locals are known throughout Kham for their expertise at woodworking, and Daofu is a great place to come and see some fine examples of high-quality Tibetan architecture. Three sacred mountains lie to the south of town. Once a prime spot for the lumbering industry, life has slowed down here since the tree felling was made illegal, leaving many unemployed.

History: The dialect of Tibetan spoken here is distinct from that of the neighbouring counties, possibly owing to the fact (or legend) that the people of Daofu are descendants of people of the Xixia Kingdom (in Gansu) whom, upon their defeat at the hands of Genghis Khan in 1227, migrated to the county of Daofu.

Points of Interest: Nyitso Gompo (Geluk) in the centre of town, with an auspicious view of the 3 sacred mountains. Great Chorten, 30m high. Taining Nature Scenic Area and Yuke Nature Protected Area. Yongzheng Chijian Huanyuan Monastery

Festivals: Anba Festival (Tib 5.13-15), Longdeng Horse Racing Festival (Tib 5.13)


DEGE  德格  (Dêrge) in Kham (extreme western Sichuan)   area code 0836  /  zip code 627250

Alt: 3220 m   Population: 8,000 (72,000 county)   People: Tibetan (97%)   Weather: Click here

Description: Roundly considered the cultural heart of Tibet, Dege is an isolated town located a mere 13 km from the Yangtze and the TAR border. The dialect spoken here considered very cultured.

History: Since before the 15c Dege (Gengqing Town) was seat of the Kingdom of Dêrge. Fiercely independent, it was ruled for 47 generations by hereditary kings (who claimed descent from Gar family - its most famous member being chief minister to Songtsen Gampo). From 13c on it was closely connected with Sakya order (from 13c-14c, rule of Tibet was in hands of Sakya lamas). In 17c, when the Mongol forces swept Kham converting the inhabitants to the Gelukpa school in support of DL5, the Kingdom of Dêrge was one of the few not to succumb.The height of its power was circa 1700, by when its expansionist policies had made it the most powerful of the five kingdoms of East Tibet, its cultural and political influence spreading across both sides of the Yangtze and Yalong rivers throughout much of Kham (including today's Shiqu, Dege and Baiyu). Nonetheless, it was unable to repel the armies of a neighbouring chieftain in 1863, and its liberation (restored with the assistance of the Tibetan army 2 years later) came at a price - to come partially under Lhasa control. After 1918, those parts of Dêrge west of the Yangtze were directly incorporated into Lhasa's administrative system. Of the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakya, Kagyü and Nyingma have all been prominent in Dege - so perhaps no surprise Dêrge was a main centre of the 19c Rimed movement.

Points of Interest: The 15c Gonchen gompa quickly became an important centre for Sakya students. The establishment of the 18c Palpung gompa made this region the centre for the Karma Kagyüpa school - it was recently designated one of the world’s most important endangered monuments by the World Monuments Fund, allowing it to receive critical help with its restoration and preservation. Most famous is the Parkhang printing press, which houses an invaluable collection of Tibetan religious and scholarly works (by some estimates, 80% of all Tibetan works). Built early 18c at the peak of the Kingdom of Dêrge's power, it has been printing continuously, using the same traditional methods, since 1729 (aside from a brief shutdown during the Cultural Revolution). Over 210,000 woodblocks here. It's the sole source of Tibetan printed material for the monasteries, schools, libraries in greater Kham. It's also revered as 'Kham's Potala Palace'. Dzongsar gompa and Institute (Saykapa) - important non-sectarian place of study for lamas.

Festivals: Yangle Festival (lunar 7.1), Rain Retreating Festival (lunar 7.30)


DEQIN 德钦  (Jol) in NW Yunnan   area code 0887  /  zip code 674500

Alt: 3480 m   Population: 10,000 (61,000 county)   People: Tibetan, Han   Weather: Click here

Description: Set at the head of a steep valley surrounded by forests and snow mountains, its position between the Mekong and Yangtze rivers and as the last major settlement on the road to Lhasa before it passes into TAR have made it a trading post and market town (Shengping Town) of considerable influence in this sparsely inhabited area. A predominantly Tibetan town, the jury is divided whether Deqin is a funky, isolated Tibetan town nestled on the moutain side in spitting distance of Yunnan's highest mountain and the Yunnan-TAR border (an unmanned gate 4 hours NW), or a claustrophobic slightly grimy little place of a town.

History: In the late 14c, steps were taken by the Ming government to put Deqin, then under the rule of the Naxi Mu clan of Lijiang, under the administration of Yunnan Province. However, geographical considerations made this more theoretical than practical. Historically, this area has supported the Geluk, Nyingma and Kagyü schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its first taste of the outside world came in the late 1800s with the arrival of French and British botanists. There’s also a Catholic church in town built by French missionaries in 1909.

Points of Interest: Kawagebo peak (Yunnan's highest at 6740m) in the Kawo Karpo (Meilixueshan) range, considered the embodiment of the protection god, thousands of pilgrims come every year to do the kora (circumambulation). Despite several attempts from international mountaineer expeditions, the mountain remains one of the world’s highest unscaled mountains. The Tibetan view, that the mountain is a holy place that should be revered and not conquered, is so strong that attempts to conquer the sacred peak are met with open scorn - rocks are thrown at the memorial which was erected in memory of the 17 climbers who died in ’91 trying to scale the mountain. Beginning beneath the peak at 5500m and running unbroken to 2700m, only some 800m above the waters of the Mekong, the glacier can be viewed from a distance are seen up close, after a short hike. Deqinling Monastery (Geluk) founded 1737, destroyed 1905 as punishment for murder of Catholic priests in the area, since rebuilt. Feilai Monastery, 10 km from Deqin, built 1614. Feilai area is also a great place to stay - simple hotels and bars here, with views of Kawagebo and many other peaks on clear days. Hongpo monastery (Geluk) - 30 km south of Deqin, increasingly active, a few Rinpoches, 50+ monks, hairy road to get here, lovely views of Kawagebo once you do, set in idyllic valley. Xidang, a small Tibetan village at the very foot of Kawagebo mountain, it's also the trailhead for the trek to Yubeng.

Festivals: Xian Dance Competition (lunar 5.7-9)


DERONG  得荣  (Zang-me) in Kham (SW Sichuan)   area code 0836  /  zip code 627950

Alt: 2800 m   Population: 5,000 (21,000 county)   People: Tibetan (95%)    Weather: Click here.

Description: A small bustling town (Songmai Town) usually drenched in sun, packed tightly in a gorge along two sides of the Ding-chu River. It’s one of the two staging posts for traffic between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, offering an alternate route when the Zhongdian-Xiangcheng road is shut down (as frequently happens in the rainy season). The town is heavily Tibetan, with quite a number of hotels, and lots of little eateries to meet the needs of travellers in transit.

Points of Interest: The Tibetan name for Derong translates as gorge, or canyon. Indeed there are some great spots for trekking around here, including one that will get you to a mountainside monastery, which remains largely unvisited. Sun Valley, where one can behold the sight of 3 mountains flanking 2 rivers. Longrong gompa is largest in Derong county, one of the '13' built during Gelukpa school's southeast expansion.

DINGQING  丁青  (Tengchen) in Kham (NE TAR)   area code 0895  /  zip code 855700

Alt: 4800 m   Population:       People: Kham Tibetan   Weather: Click here.

Description: Typical Chinese kind of city.

Points of Interest: Zezhol gompa near here (in Shagong village at the foot of Zezhol Hill) - dates to when Bön religion was being persecuted and so many Bön practitioners fled to remoter parts of eastern Tibet. Rebuilt 14c. It's the biggest Bön gompa in Kham. 200+ monks.


DULONG Gorge  独龙江峡谷  in western Yunnan   area code 0886

Alt: varies from 1000-5000 m    Population: 4,500   People: Dulong   Weather: Click here.

Description: The poorest and most cut-off area of Yunnan by far, geographically speaking it would probably make more sense if this area was part of Burma, where the majority of the Dulong people reside. The Dulong are considered the 'last reached' people of China - the road to here was built only in 1999. And what a beautiful albeit slow-going road it is, wending its way through scenic virgin semi-rain forests draped with Spanish moss. The administrative centre is Gongmo.

History: Historically this area was controlled by the tusi of Chayu (in the very far SE corner of the TAR, due north of Dulong area), and Chayu Tibetans would frequently stage raids into the area for slaves. [Traditionally Dulong women tattooed their faces, and one theory (among many) for why they did this was to appear ugly to slave-seeking Tibetans. At any rate tattooing was officially proscribed in 1965.] In 1945 the head missionary in Gongshan sent of his protege to Dulong gorge for proselytising purposes, but were not welcomed by the Chayu tusi. Later, missionaries from Burma had better luck, and original shaman anamistic religion is pretty much gone. In 1978, a Catholic Burmese Dulong established the system of writing for Dulong characters.

Festivals: Kaquewa festival (lunar 1.10-12)

GANZI  甘孜  (Kandzê) in Kham (NW Sichuan) on the Yalong River   area code 0836  /  zip code 626700

Alt: 3580 m   Population: 12,000 (county 58,000)   People: Kham Tibetan (95%)   Weather: Click here

Description: Capital of the vast Ganzi AP. Still not too many 'laowais' make it here, though of course the number is growing. On a high grass plateau, set alongside a river, this traditional, once-upon-a-time smallish town has boomed recently - street lights, indoor tea houses, and shops full of solar powered boom boxes. Luckily this boom hasn't come at the cost of character, toe town's still got plenty of that, much due to the Khampan nomads who come here for all their shopping needs. The valley heading into town from the NW is quite stunning for its scenery and plethora of gompas.

History: In the 1640s the Mongol forces of Gushri Khan swarmed into the valley, converting the residents by force of sword to the Gelukpa order. Settling there, the invading Mongols intermarried with the local populace, from which time on the inhabitants have been known as the Trehor Khampans. Trehor refers to the 'Hor States', five prosperous overlapping states located in what is one of Kham's most fertile valleys and near the major Kangding-Yushu trade route, whose hereditary chieftains held authority over individual families (as opposed to areas). The Hor States' autonomy ended with the arrival of a neighbouring rival chieftain from the State of Nyarong (present-day Xinlong) who conquered this area along with most of Kham in 1863. Shortly thereafter, Lhasa troops came to the rescue and the town was made a Lhasa protectorate. During the 1909-18 war, the town was occupied by Chinese, and it was following these early 20c Sino-Tibetan wars that Lhasa lost any say in this area. With the arrival of the PLA in the 1950s, the area, like all of Kham, was firmly brought under Chinese rule.

Points of Interest: The monasteries in and around town have belonged to the Gelukpa school ever since Mongol troops forcibly converted them. Kandzê gompa (Geluk), dominating the north end of town, built by the Mongols in 1642 above their castles of Mazur and Khangsar after they successfully subdued the area (helping DL5 to extend the influence of his Gelukpa school into Kham). The most prominent Gelukpa gompa in the area, it's a bit more museum-like than it was a few years ago. Many monks-in-training, learning the trade - dancing, blowing the Tibetan long horn, PR, etc. A surprising number of monks there have made the overland trek to India to see the DL (well, we met one anyway); along with Chamdo and Litang monasteries it still ranks as one of the largest Gelukpa establishments in Kham. Behind Kandzê gompa is a new nunnery, built by a high lama who returned to this area after spending some years of exile in Switzerland. Den gompa, housing original woodblocks, is the oldest temple in the county, dating back to the 13c. Dargye gompa, north of town, was once the most important of the '13 Hor monasteries' - it's been recently done up, and the interior painting is a work of art! The 16c Beri gompa (Geluk) is just outside of town. Castle ruins of Mazur and Khangsar lie below Kandzê gompa.

Festivals: Xuriling Welcome Autumn Festival (Aug 10-16)


GENYE  格聂山  (Genyen) in Kham (western Sichuan)   area code 0836

Alt: 6204 m   People: Tibetan  

Description: Genye Scenic area covers 500 sq. km. Its focus is the sacred Genye Mountain (6204m), Sichuan's third highest, which rises up from the sparsely populated Kangnan plateau about halfway between Batang and Litang, in Rehe township. The Tibetan name means "Pursuer of Virtue", having to do with the considerable number of monks who come to the caves here for tretreat and meditation. There is an 8-day kora (for heartier souls only) around this peak; this area is Tibetan nomadic area, so you won't come across villages, rather it's all about the scenery and divine settings.

Points of Interest: Lenggu Monastery (Kagyüpa), founded at the behest of the first Karmapa, set at base of mountain. On the hillside behind the monastery are prints from the 1st Karmapa, while inside is a considerable number of treasures, in the form of various articles once used by him. Cuopu monastery (Nyingma) west of Genye, towards Batang, set alongside lake and surrounded by forests, grasslands and snow mountains.

GEZA  格咱  (Gerza) in NW Yunnan   area code 0887  /  zip code 674408

Alt: 3100 m   Population:    People: Tibetan   

Description: There's Geza township on the road to Sichuan, 2 hours north of Zhongdian, and Geza village (comprised of 3 villages, actually) which is off the main road. A nice day's walk from Shudu to Geza village through rhododendron forests.

Points of Interest: Geza monastery. Chitu Immortals Cave. Hot springs. Birang Gorge (80 km north of Geza) - beautiful, pristine steep-walled gorge formed by Wengshui river cutting its way through foothills of Small Wengshan Mountain.

Festivals: Chitu Immortals Cave Day (lunar 1.17, 7.15 & 12.15)

GONGBUJIANGDA  工布江达  (Ngapo Zampa) in Ü-Tsang (east central TAR)   area code 0894  /  zip code 860200

Alt: 3200 m   Population: 6,000 (22,000 county)   People: Tibetan

Description: A smallish town, its Tibetan name (Ngapo Zampa) means 'Concave Area at the Mouth of the Big Gorge', apparently.

Points of Interest: Gado nunnery (Nyingma) - overlooking town, small, intimate and well taken care of, a thousand years old, Guru Rinpoche and Vajra Yogini inside; renovations begun in '80; belongs to Lamaling monastery 30 km away.

GONGSHAN  贡山  in western Yunnan on the Salween   area code 0886  /  zip code 673500

Alt: 1600 m   Population: 13,000 (30,000 county)   People: Dulong, Nu.   Weather: Click here

Description: Gongshan is the seat (called Cikai Township) of Gongshan Dulong & Nu Autonomous County. Driving north up this valley you'll see literally a church in every village, sometimes two (vying Protestant and Catholic).

History: There was an American protestant vicar in Gongshan (1939 arrived) who tried to spread religion in Dulong area. He built church in Dandan village in Gongshan County. After liberation (1949), 200 Protestants in Dulong area. In 1955, 70 families (26% of Dulong population) were Protestants. This brought to an end with CR. But starting again in 1984 there was a religious comeback. Now it’s 600 Prot. followers (or 300 families…).

Points of Interest: Churches.

Festivals: Kuoshi Festival (lunar 1.1-15), Zhimuqiecuo (lunar 2.15), Fairy Festival (lunar 3.15-17)

GREAT RIVERS NAT'L PARK covering NW Yunnan

Alt: 2000 m to 6740 m   Population: 3 million+    People: Han, Naxi, Yi, Tibetan, Lisu, Bai, Pumi, to name a few

History: Clear cutting in western China -> massive erosion downstream -> massive flooding -> commercial logging ban -> severe budget problems for local economies here. Other commercial headaches to be dealt with are plans for damming the main stems of all rivers, even though electricity prices are crashing in China. A massive dam being built on the Mekong, south of project area, resulting in air/water pollution and soil erosion. Deposits of lead and zinc which both foreign and domestic companies are eager to mine. Obviously, all a big problem for the people and their environment, until (as the story goes) a Thai businessman proposed donating a big chunk of change for the creation of an eco-zone type national park, on condition that the Nature Conservancy, an American NGO, were called in to supervise and set up the park/reserve. What has followed in the last 8(?) yrs has been a comedy of errors, and at least, from the outside, what appears to be a slightly sordid tale of jobs for the boys via a big money NGO, arriving without China expertise or appreciation for local cultures, but bringing 'civilising values' - ring a bell? The park itself? The whole project seems to be dead in the water. Now there's the Three Parallel Rivers.

Description: Encompassing 11 ethnic groups, rare birds (migratory and endemic), 10,000+ species of plants (incl. 162 species of rhodies), golden eagles, Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (rather scary-looking little creatures), red pandas. The Nu (Salween), the Mekong (Lancang) and the Yangtze (the stretch in NW Yunnan known as the Jinsha) rivers flow within 60 miles of each other here.

GYANTSE  江孜  (Ch. Jiangzi) in Ü-Tsang (central TAR)   area code 0892  /  zip code 857400

Alt: 4000 m   Population: 14,000 (68,000 county)   People: Tibetans (98%), Han, Hui   Weather: Click here

Description: County capital with some major roads going through town, but feel is of a quite small city. Average elevation of the county is 4100m, so many of the county denizens engaged in pastoralism. Those living in river valley area produce quite a large supply of grains for Tibet; major crops include barley, wheat, corn, cabbage, turnip and garlic. Cushions and carpets produced in Gyantse also well known.

History: In former times, Gyantse was the third largest city in Tibet, owing to its strategic position on the major trade and military routes between Tibet and neighbors to the south, and as such was one of the ‘windows’ to the outside world; business interests from the likes of England, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, etc. were all represented. Prior to 1904, Gyantse fortress served as the area's adminstrative center and housed the governor of Gyantse. Strategically, any invading force from the south would have to pass through here, as did Younghusband’s expedition in 1904. Heroic but ultimately failed defense, lasting some weeks, against these invaders earned Gyantse the nickname City of Heros. Gyantse was then selected as the most important of three British trading posts set up following events of 1904, and remained so for some 40 years. In 1951, the Liberation army entered.

Points of Interest: Gyantse Dzong - 13c fortress towering over Gyantse (probably the last remaining fortress of its ilk); climb here for good overall view of Gyantse. Palcho monastery (a.k.a. Pelkhor Chode) – very rare in that it was a multi-denominational monastery (Sakya, Kagyu and Geluk - initially as rivals, but eventurally co-existing peacefully), founded 1418. Gyantse Kumbum - within grounds of Palcho monastery, it's 9 stories, interior rich with Buddhist imagery and considered one of Tibet's greatest architectural works. Anti-British Imperialists Hall – at main gate of Gyantse Dzong. contains some rich slogans. Pala Manor – (2 km north of town) former residence of aristocratic Tibetan family who fled to India in 1959; burned down by Younghusband expedition in 1904, rebuilt 1937, the contrast between servants and masters quarters serve as nice propaganda tool for the Chinese. Gyantse carpet factory.

Festivals: Gyantse Horse Racing & Archery Festival (Dama Festival) (Tib 4.10-28)

HABA  哈巴村  in NW Yunnan   area code 0887

Alt: 2500 m   Population: <100 households   People: Naxi, Hui    Weather: Click here

Description: Located in the foothills of the 5396m Haba Mountain, just after the road has come out of the gorge and starts to veer north towards Zhongdian. A quiet village in beautiful surrounds. There is a relatively new mosque in town.

HEQING  鹤庆  in western Yunnan   area code 0872  /  zip code 671500

Alt: 2190 m   People: Naxi, Bai, Han   Weather: Click here

Description: Though directly on the Dali-Lijiang route, this place is usually bypassed by all and sundry. The buildings along the cobblestoned main road were all rebuilt following the '96 earthquake in traditional Naxi style. Two- and three-story wooden structures with hand-painted designs and the classic intricately carved folding wooden doors. Just outside of town are a cluster of shops selling handmade silver jewellery, crafted in the area; its become awfully touristy, though.

Points of Interest: houses built in traditional style, Confucius temple, Ming dynasty pagoda

Festivals: Equinox Celebration (Mar. 20), Sanggui Mule & Horse Fair (lunar 8.15), Birds' Day (lunar 11.19)

HONGYUAN  红原  (Kakhog) in Amdo (NW Sichuan)   area code 0837  /  zip code 624400

Alt: m     Population: 10,000 (40,000 county)   People: Amdo Tibetans   Weather: Click here

Description: Hongyuan county (est. 1960). Got its name owing to that the Red Army passed through here on the Long March. County seat is in Qiongxi Town.

Points of Interest: .

Festivals: Xianglong festival (summer), Horse Racing Festival (lunar 7.15)

HUANGLONG  黄龙  (Sertso) in Amdo (northern Sichuan)   area code 0837

Alt: 3080 m   People: Tibetan and Qiang

Description: Established in 1983 as a nature reserve, its name is derived from the Tibetan meaning 'Lake of Gold’. It’s 9 km of terraced 'coloured' (owing to water's high level of calcium carbonate) lakes (over 3000 of them!), located in the valley of the 5588m Mt. Shardungri are a rather impressive sight. The landscape of dense forest, lush vegetation, lake-side willows and forests of rhododendrons makes for superb hiking. Simple temples and monasteries dot the area, belonging to the Bön and Buddhist traditions.

Points of Interest: Fall scenery especially good. Huanglong monastery & cave (both stalactites and stalagmites!).

Festivals: Huanglong temple Bon Summer Festival (lunar 6.15-17), Tribute to Buddha (lunar 6.15-25)

HUASHIXIA  花市峡  (Tsogyenrawa) in Amdo (SE Qinghai)   area code 0975

Alt: 4040 m   People: Tibetan, Hui, Golok   Weather: Click here

Description: Located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, as one would expect this is high plateau and pastureland country, the domain of nomadic herders who belong to the Golok ethnic group - an ancient people who maintain their customs, dress and language to the present day. Just south of Huashixia is the Bayan Har mountain range, with peaks of over 5,000 metres. To the west is Ngoring Lake, the source of the Yellow River. For all its seeming remoteness, Huashixia is quite a hubbub of activity and commerce. For the nomadic herders who graze yak in this area (or the traveller on the long haul from Xiewu to Xining), the town is a little oasis providing entertainment and great food, generally at the hands of the Hui minority. As the Hui are Muslim, their fare gives one a nice pork-free change. "Pull noodles” are a bit of a speciality - from one's table it's possible to witness the dough get made from scratch, then stretched, thrown and pulled about, and served steaming in a bowl to your table, all within 5 minutes.

JIANGDA  江达  (Jomda) in Kham (eastern TAR)   area code 0895  /  zip code 854100

Alt:   Population:   People: Tibetan   Weather: Click here

Description: Straddling the banks of the Dzi-chu river, Jiangda's a large town located just west of the Sichuan-TAR border.

History:

Points of Interest: Troru gompa (Karma Kagyüpa) here, as well as a prominent Tibetan hospital.

JIANGZI  江孜   See Gyantse.

JINGHONG  景洪  (capital of Xishuangbanna) in southern Yunnan   area code 0891  /  zip code 666100

Alt: 580 m   Population: 94,000 (363,110 county)   People: Dai (45%), Han (37%), Hani.   Weather: Click here

Description: Capital of Xishuangbanna Dai AP, the name means ‘City of Dawn’ in the Dai language. It’s got quite a modern façade now, with broad dusty boulevards. Usually very warm and windless, long summers. Lancang River (Mekong) flows through town.

History: Originally established by the Dai manorial lord, Piaozhen in 1180, and was quite prosperous at one time. Capital of this region for generations. Existed back in Eastern Han Dynasty. Later was ruled by Nanzhao Kingdom (Tang time) and its offshoot, the Kingdom of Dali (Song time). When the Kingdom of Dali fell to Kublai Khan’s forces, the Dai population moved south from the areas of Kunming and Dali to settle in Xishuangbanna, among other places. Xishuangbanna was established during the Ming Dynasty with the formation of Banna Menglong, Banna Jinghong, Banna Mengxing (Puwen) and Banna Mengla, altogether four Bannas within the domain of the present Jinghong City. In 1953 the Xishuangbanna AP was established and in December 1957 the four Bannas were amalgamated into one giant Banana of the county status, and was given the name the Banna Jinghong People's Admin. Committee.

Points of Inter