Bayi Town, nestled on the north bank of the Nyang River in Nyingchi, Tibet, stands as the vibrant capital of the Bayi District. This town is the hub of politics, economy, culture, and transportation in Nyingchi, located at the crossroads of the Sichuan-Tibet and Lin-Ze highways, at an elevation of 3000 meters. Once a collection of scattered villages known as “Lariga” before 1965, Bayi Town has transformed into a burgeoning industrial and educational centre in southeastern Tibet.
A Modern Town with Deep Roots
Today, Bayi is recognized for its diverse industries, including electricity, papermaking, building materials, printing, agricultural machinery repair, timber processing, and grain and oil processing. It’s also a significant educational and scientific research base in Tibet.
Since 1970, the Tibet Autonomous Region has established several educational and research institutions here, such as the Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College and the Plateau Ecology Institute, along with numerous schools. Established as Bayi District in 1960 and later renamed Bayi Town in 1987, it covers an area of 1318.44 square kilometers, with a registered population of nearly 40,000 people, encompassing 11 administrative villages. Decades of development have shaped it into a small yet modern and bustling city, affectionately dubbed “Bayi City” by foreigners, with a crisscross of roads like Guangdong Road, Fujian Road, and Shenzhen Avenue.
Modern marvels like the “Guangdong Cultural Exhibition Center” and “Nyingchi Cultural Arts Center” dominate the town center, alongside architectural wonders reminiscent of the White House and the Sydney Opera House. Shenzhen Square, with its picturesque bridges and gentle waters, is surrounded by a leisure and entertainment city, offering a perfect blend of tourism and relaxation.
Tips for Visitors
- Transportation: Bayi Passenger Station offers daily buses to Lhasa, Milin, and Lang County. Taxis, minivans, and rickshaws are the main modes of transportation within the town.
- Accommodations: Nyingchi, a rising tourist hotspot in Tibet, boasts several hotels and guesthouses in Bayi Town, catering to different budgets.
- Air Travel: Since the opening of Nyingchi Airport in 2006, Bayi Town has become the first stop for many visitors to Tibet, located 50 kilometers from the airport.
- Cultural Festivals: Don’t miss the “Nyingchi Matsutake Culinary Culture Festival” held annually from July to September, and the “Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon Culture and Tourism Festival” initiated in October 2005, now a yearly event.
Bayi Town serves as both the gateway to Nyingchi’s stunning landscapes and a focal point for travelers seeking to explore the rich culture and beauty of Tibet.
