Lhasa means holy land in Tibetan. On the northern bank of Lhasa River, a tributary of Yarlung Zangbo River, it is 3,650 meters above sea level. It is famous for its long history. Lhasa is also famous as a city of sunshine for its sunshine of more than 3,000 hours a year. It is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region and is a political, economic and cultural center of the region. It boasts many historical sites and scenic spots both in its urban areas and outskirts. The Potala Palace and Jokhang, Sera, Gaindan monasteries and Drepung Temple are well known at home and abroad.
Shannon is the birthplace of Tibetan culture. On the southern bank of the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, it is 3,600 meters above sea level. Shannan has a temperate climate.
Xigaze is a famous cultural city with a history of more than 500 years. Some 3,800 meters above sea level, it has been a place in which Bainqen Erdini Lamas of various historical stages were authenticated. Later it has become a political and religious center in rear Tibet. To its south stands the world-known Qomolangma Peak. Around the city there are the Sakya, Palkor and Xalu monasteries.
In the western part of Tibet, Ngari has an average elevation of more than 4,500 meters and is famous as the top of the roof of the world. The area has many lakes but less people and is a paradise of wild yaks, Pantholops hodgsoni, Mongolian gazelle, wild donkeys and other kinds of wildlife. In the western part of Ngari there are the famous ruins of Guge Kingdom, Toding Monastery, Duoxiang Castle and other historical sites. The holy mountains and sacred lakes in Burang attract more domestic and foreign pilgrims.
Having an elevation of more than 4,500 meters, Nagqu is located on the famous North Tibet Plateau. It is 338 kilometers from Lhasa and at the juncture of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, northern section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and Heihe Highway. Nagqu has good transport facilities and a unique landscape. The ancient Yamtung (or Zhangzhung) cultural site, the Ban monasteries, the Holy Lake Nam Co and the life of the highland herdsmen are unique tourist attractions.
Qamdo is a beautiful, vast and rich area in the valleys of Jinsha, Nujiang and Lancang rivers at the foot of Hengduan Mountain. It attracts tourists from home and abroad with its wonderful mountains, rivers, dense forests, historical sites and simple local folklore.
On the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in southeast Tibet, Nyingchi is some 3,000 meters above sea level. It has a moist weather and a beautiful natural scene. The Monba and Lhoba ethnic people living here have their own unique habits and customs. The Namjagbarwa Peak, the world-known Yarlung Zangbo Canyon, the Lake Pagsum Co, Zayu and Bome attract tourists from home and abroad with their unique natural sceneries.
