Sight Overview
Xiahe is the most famous of the Tibetan towns outside of Tibet. The town grew to fame along with the Labrang Monastery, that marks and dominates the center of town. Monks wander about here, beaming beatific smiles and helping run, or just loitering about in, local hotels and restaurants. The monastery is encircled by a prayer wheel path and dissected by the town’s one main road. The majority of the monastery’s sights are in the northern segment, however the Gongtang Pagoda, in the southwestern corner has some great views from its roof.
The Tibetan town, unmistakable for its old mud houses and small mud track roads, is in the western section of Xiahe, across the river from the Labrang Hotel. This section houses monks from the Red Hat Sect, and the Red Hat Sect Temple (Hongjiao si) is near the center here.
Further afield are a few less tourist filled sights, including the desolate green of the Sangke Grasslands and the remote alpine charm of the town of Langmusi. These are great areas to get away and experience a little of the rural China that we often do not get to experience.
Sight Index
Gold Medals or silver Medals indicate Sights recommended by Lonelychina.
