Xietongmen County, also known as Shetong Mön, lies in the south-central part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, stretching along the northern bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Rich in history, geography, and natural resources, this lesser-known Tibetan county offers a fascinating glimpse into Tibet’s plateau life, traditional culture, and ecological diversity. The name Xietongmen (བཞད་མཐོང་སྨོན་རྫོང་།)comes...Read More
The title Panchen Lama carries deep linguistic, cultural, and historical meaning within Tibetan Buddhism. More than an honorific, it reflects centuries of scholarship, spiritual authority, and evolving political influence in Tibet. Understanding the origins and development of this title offers valuable insight into Tibetan religious tradition, the Gelug school of Buddhism, and the broader historical...Read More
The Kongpo Nyingchi dance “Bo”, also known as Kongpo Nyingchi Cheba Bo and commonly called the Nyingchi Dance, is one of the most vibrant and expressive traditional dances of eastern Tibet. Deeply rooted in the daily life and spiritual world of the Kongpo people, this dance blends song, movement, and community participation into a powerful...Read More
Tibetan Buddhist sculpture is one of the most refined and spiritually profound art traditions in the Himalayas. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, symbolic precision, and devotional depth, this sacred art form transforms complex Buddhist philosophy into powerful visual expressions. More than decorative objects, Tibetan Buddhist statues serve as meditation supports, ritual focal points, and embodiments...Read More
Gongbu attire is a unique Tibetan traditional costume from Nyingchi, Xizang, reflecting pastoral life and now a national intangible cultural heritage.Read More
Lake Rakshastal: The Sacred “Ghost Lake” of Tibet Lake Rakshastal is one of the most mysterious and dramatic high-altitude lakes in western Tibet. Located at around 4,500 meters (14,800 feet) above sea level, this vast saltwater lake stretches across roughly 200 square kilometers on the Tibetan Plateau. Surrounded by the rugged Himalayan landscape and close...Read More
Planning a stay in Lhasa’s historic center? Choosing the right hotel is essential—especially for international travelers. Only hotels with official foreign reception licenses can legally host non-Chinese passport holders. At check-in, you must present: A valid passport A valid Tibet Travel Permit (arranged in advance through a registered Tibet travel agency) Below is a carefully...Read More
Namri Songtsen ( གནམ་རི་སྲོང་བཙན) was one of the most important early rulers of the Tibetan Plateau. As a key figure in the transformation of Tibet from a loose tribal confederation into a centralized kingdom, he laid the political and military foundations for what would later become the powerful Tibetan Empire. Though often remembered as the father...Read More
Kongpo (Gongbu) New Year: A Forest Losar of Ancient Rituals and Living Traditions The Kongpo (Gongbu) New Year is one of the most distinctive traditional festivals in eastern Tibet. Recently listed among the first batch of regional-level intangible cultural heritage items in Tibet, this festival reflects the deep connection between Kongpo people and their forested...Read More
Across many ethnic histories, legends and myths act as vessels of memory. They may not always align neatly with historical fact, yet they often preserve deeper truths about origins, beliefs, and social structures. In Tibetan culture, one of the most influential and enduring legends is that of the “Tsenpo of the Sky”, a narrative that...Read More
Tridu Songtsen (d. 704), also known as Dusong Mangpoje, was the 35th emperor of the Tibetan Empire. In Tibetan records, he appears under different name forms, including variations that reflect transliteration across sources. He was the great-grandson of Songtsen Gampo and the son of King Mangsong Mangtsen. His mother was Queen Trimalo of the powerful...Read More
