Author: Jacinda Dickie

Gesar Hotel

Shigatse is a place you don’t want to miss if you travel to Tibet. As the second largest city in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Shigatse is full of fascinating history and local culture. Shigatse is a modernized city where travelers can find many spots to enjoy the hospitality of the Tibetan people and their distinct culture. Such as that found at Gesar Hotel (“Kesar” in Tibetan). Gesar Hotel was founded by a nomad – Sonam Dorje – in 2012.
The beautiful reception area at Gesar Hotel.

Born in a very remote village, Sonam was not lucky enough to get education, but his ambition to start a business never went away. In 1994, Sonam became a father, and this was a life change that encouraged him to take first steps towards starting his own business. He wanted his kids to get better education and he was willing to do everything to support his family. Still, it took a few years before his dreams actually took flight.

Finally, in 2006, he founded his first construction company, and through this company he offered 200 job opportunities to his local community. Yet, Sonam was still not content continually seeing many young local people were struggling to support themselves. He wanted to help them discover and grow their skills. So he started building Gesar Hotel in 2008, and officially opened it on April 20^th, 2012. Now there are 70 employees at the hotel.

A guest room at Gesar Hotel.

Sonam came up with the name Gesar for the hotel because he grew up listening to his grandmother tell stories about King Gesar. Gesar is a hero in a lot of Tibetan’s hearts, so Sonam decorated the hotel in the theme of Gesar. Paintings on the wall in hotel will take you back in time, as all the paintings are about his life. When looking at the walls, it is not hard to get lost in the beauty of Tibetan art and this ancient culture.

Gesar hotel was the first hotel in Shigatse to be decorated in such a distinct Tibetan style, and guests are often amazed by the beautiful decorations and furniture found throughout. There are more then 150 rooms in the hotel, all of which are very clean and decorated with lovely, handcrafted Tibetan furniture.

A hall at Gesar.

You will also be amazed by the wonderful staff at the hotel. At Gesar Hotel, guests are treated as friends. The staff are very helpful, humble, kind, and they always try to make you feel comfortable. The manager of the hotel speaks fluent English, and he is always happy to help you and answer all your questions.

Sonam Dorje believes that Gesar Hotel is not only a business but also a part of the local culture. With so many employees, Sonam is having a great impact on a large part of the community. He hopes that he can help more young people with their family and future, and he also hopes that visitors will have a pleasant stay at Gesar Hotel.

If you are travelling through Shigatse, we highly recommend Gesar Hotel as a comfortable place to stay.

Contact Info:

地址：日喀则市龙江中路

电话：0892-8800088

Address: Long Jiang Middle Road

Phone: 0892-8800088

September 1, 2016
Tibetan Family Kitchen

Tibetan Family Kitchen is becoming a landmark in Lhasa for good reason. It was founded by a young and enthusiastic Tibetan couple in 2013. Namdon and Lumbum were tour guides for many years, but unfortunately in 2012 there were far too few tour groups to make a living. With the help and encouragement of Namdom’s sister, they decided to open a home-style restaurant, as both of them are great at making local Tibetan food and have experience in working with foreign guests. Seven years later they have progressed well beyond this small beginning.

Tibetan cooking classes offered at Tibetan Family Kitchen.

More than a restaurant offering mouth-watering Tibetan food, the cooking classes offered here are a cultural experience every traveler must include on their trip to this ancient city. Though the one room kitchen operation they started in back in 2013 has grown into a two-story restaurant with a roof-top patio near the old town, the friendliness and hospitality of the staff still ensures every guest experiences the warmth and welcome of a “family kitchen”. They also offer cooking classes if you are interested in the local food culture and learning how to make some of the dishes yourself.

Guests enjoying themselves at the Tibetan Family Kitchen

The unique entrance to the Tibetan Kitchen takes you straight past the open concept kitchen, before passing through to the dining area. As most kitchens are hidden in the back of restaurants, its almost as if Namdon is intentionally showing off one the cleanest kitchens in the whole city of Lhasa, and offering travelers peace of mind before they even order their food. If the weather is agreeable we highly recommend requesting a table on the roof-top which offers a special panorama view of the the city.

Rooftop dining offers panoramic views of Lhasa Tibet

Namdon and her husband Lumbum have years of guiding experience between the two of them, having taken foreign guests to Everest and beyond for many years. They have excellent English and are a great source of travel information both in Lhasa and all areas throughout Tibet. They are eager to please and only hope in return that foreign guests will have an enjoyable and memorable experience of Tibet.

The entrance to Tibetan Family Kitchen

Finding the entrance to the Tibetan Family Kitchen requires some careful searching. Use the address below and keep an eye out for the sign on top of the building, as well as the one on the street level. It is located on the second floor off of Dan Jie Lin Road leading to the Barkhor area. The entranceway is a small passageway up some stairs between local shops. It is well worth searching for!

Contact Info:

Address: 西藏拉萨市丹杰林路 6-2-5

Phone: 13889015053

Address: Dan Jie Lin Road 6-2-5

Phone: 13889015053

June 23, 2016
Sonam International Youth Hostel

Sonam International Youth Hostel was founded by a capable Tibetan lady, Nizhen, in 2008. As a result of the train to Lhasa opening in 2006, the tourism in the area developed greatly. As Nizhen had a few years of experience in running a hostel in mainland, China, she decided to open a Tibetan style hostel in Lhasa. The hostel was one of the first three in Lhasa. The name “Sonam” means “eternal blessing” in Tibetan. Nizhen came up with the name because she hopes people will be blessed by practicing kindness and compassion whilst they visit.
The hostel has been doing really well, and in 2013 it was chosen, as “the trusted hostel” from among 300 hotels by the local tourism bureau. There are 12 employees at the Sonam, and they are very kind and helpful to their guests.

Entrance to Sonam Hostel

The hostel is a real home away from home for weary travelers. Entering off the busy main street through a small alley, you pass through a gateway into a traditional courtyard that blocks out the sounds of the city. The courtyard is an oasis of green life with grass, trees and a wooden deck that gives everything a slight cottage feel. There are a couple picnic tables to sit at while enjoying a cold drink, complete with umbrellas to shield from the sun during the middle of the day.

The Sonam Hostel has a wonderful courtyard for guests to enjoy.

The courtyard is surrounded by guest rooms and the café. The café sits on the first floor and offers decent western-friendly food and drinks. The breakfast at Sonum is particularly worthy of a mention. The décor of the café will be appreciated by those who like the slightly traditional and rustic feel that wood brings.

Sonam offers both dorm style rooms with shared bathing facilities, and private rooms with ensuite baths. All rooms are exceptionally clean and the staff reflects the warmth of Tibetan hospitality. There are washing machines available as well for travelers who have reached that point in their travels!

A single bed at Sonam

Sonam hostel is located away from the madness of Lhasa’s tourist core, but close enough to walk to the Potala Palace within 15 minutes. Also, within a few minute walk of the hostel you can reach the quiet banks of the Kyichu River for a walk through the manicured gardens along its banks. It is approximately a five to seven minute taxi ride to the Barkhor area.

If you have a chance to visit Lhasa, you will find your Tibetan home if you stay at Sonam Hostel.

Contact info:

地址：西藏拉萨市德吉南路11号

电话： +86 (0) 891-6927969

Address: 11 South De Ji Road, Lhasa, Tibet

Phone: +86 (0) 891-6927969

June 23, 2016
Metok Karpo Restaurant

Metok Karpo is a gem of a restaurant located near Barkor in central Lhasa. Though it is hidden away in a narrow alley beside the Snowlands restaurant, it is well worth the effort to track it down. The low doorway is on your right hand side if you are walking from the main street, and it is usually full of mostly local clientele due to the appeal of the authentic flavors of the nomadic cooks! Your presence will attract some friendly smiles so be sure to smile in return!
The entrance to Metok Karpo Restaurant.

The restaurant was founded by young Tibetan nomadic lady Thupten Choemo in 2008. She is a single mother with a daughter. While sending kids to school in Lhasa is free, there are some expenses for her daughter because they are from nomadic area. Choemo wants her daughter to get a good education. She has never run a business before in her life, but she is very interested in making Tibetan food. Her religion teaches her that everything one does should be done with one’s best effort, and so this spills over into not just her life, but her food as well. Therefore, Choemo believes that to make good food, you must put your heart and soul into every aspect of the preparation.

Once you step inside you encounter a very funky atmosphere reminiscent of a Spanish grotto. The small interior immediately gives it a family kitchen feel complimented by the warm smiles of Choemo. An English menu is offered for the convenience of foreign travelers, and everything on the menu is always fresh. As the hosts do not speak English (or Chinese for that matter), simply point at the menu items that appeal to your appetite!

Inside the Metok Karpo Restaurant

The menu is not extensive, but is diverse and represents the favorites of the local population. The Lhasa sweet tea brings welcome refreshment after a morning of visiting the sites around Lhasa. Cold beer is also on hand if that is your preferred refreshment. If you enjoy meat, the dishes with yak meat are extremely delicious, but for those who prefer vegetarian, the menu caters to this as well. For dessert there is usually fresh yoghurt available, and it often fits as a perfect way to finish your meal.

In the future, Choemo wants to expand her restaurant, and we wish her all the best as she makes her dream come true. If you find yourself traveling in Lhasa, we recommend you pay a visit to the lovely nomadic lady Choemo for a hearty meal.

Contact Info:

地址：丹杰林路 6-1-14.

电话： 08916326933

Address: Danjieling road No 6-1-14 (Five minutes walking distance to Jokhang temple in Barkor)

Phone: 08916326933

June 22, 2016
Po Ba Tsang Restaurant

Located in Lhasa, the Po Ba Tsang Restaurant is serving guests more than just food, and they are proving that being at the roof of the world is a rewarding, yet challenging task. Guests to Lhasa are continually amazed by the local historical and cultural sites, and they are often touched by the local peoples’ devotion to their religion, and hospitality for their visitors.
Unfortunately though, due to political issues, homestays are not allowed to operate in Lhasa, but if they were, travelers would undoubtedly enjoy this option. Instead, those looking for a fabulous experience of Tibetan traditional food, performance, and hospitality should stop by Po Ba Tsang Restaurant in order to experience the spirit of local Tibet. A cozy and welcoming restaurant, Po Ba Tsang was a deliberately chosen name, as “Po Ba” means Tibetan, and “Tsang” means home & family. Travelers are always welcome to visit Po Ba Tsang if they have a chance to visit the holy city of Lhasa.

Performers at Po Ba Tsang Restaurant.

The restaurant was founded in 2009 by a young, talented, and well-educated local Tibetan man named Chemey. Chemey used to work as an emcee, chef, and teacher, and even today he stills teaches, just not as much as he once did. Now he focuses on his restaurant business, and is very passionate about showing people traditional food, and classical song and dance performances. Po Ba Tsang has around 30 employees, with this including his artists and performers.

Every night the restaurant performs time-honored songs and dances with traditional dress and instruments. The soft and peaceful music will bring you back to a time in history when there was no hustle and bustle of today’s modern day city to be heard. Rather, the listener can easily imagine themselves in the midst of a grassland surrounded by nomadic herders, and many come to wonder if the Tibetan love of singing comes from living so close to the roof of the world. With the performers voices seemingly as high as Mt. Everest, and as pure as the land they spring from, dinners in the evening linger just a little longer than they should.

Traditional Tibetan Hotpot is served at Po Ba Tsang Restaurant

Patrons of Po Ba Tsang don’t only come for the song and dance, but because the restaurant specializes in Tibetan Hotpot. With dinner and a show, guests often sample the flavors of locally made Tibetan beer and wine.

In the past fear years, Chemey has faced challenges, but he has also gained valuable experience about the restaurant business. He has trained many staff, and he hopes that Po Ba Tsang continues to show and preserve the local performing arts, all while providing healthy, delicious, and authentic local food to his guests.

Contact Info:

地址：北京东路错美林路口向丹杰林100米右手二楼（光明港琼甜茶馆对面）

订做电话0891-6899000

Address: Dan Jie lin Road ( Right In Front of Guangming Gangqiong Tian Cha House).

Phone: 0891-6899000

June 22, 2016
Yamdrok Yumtso (Yamdrok Lake)

Yamdrok, Yamdroktso (ཡར་འབྲོག་གཡུ་མཚོ། ), or Yamdrok Yumtso, is a breathtaking lake lying between the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, and the town of Gyantse. Yamdrok Lake is viewable along the old Friendship Highway that links Tibet with Nepal, and is a favorite route for those heading to Everest Base Camp. Sitting at an altitude of 4,441 meters above sea level, the lake is 130 kilometers in length and 70 kilometers in wide at its furthest spot. Yamdrok is the largest inland and freshwater lake on the northern Himalayan range with an average depth of 20 to 40 meters, and the deepest point being 60 meters.
Summer time views of the lake offer green carpeted slopes on the surrounding hills.

Yamdrok Lake has a unique coral shape with numerous streams feeding it from nearby mountains, hence the locals refer to it as Coral Lake. It is also sometimes called Green Jade Lake for its smooth surface similar to the fine jade, and its gorgeous color hues from the reflection of sunlight.

Religious Significance of Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake is one of the four largest sacred lakes of Tibet along with Lake Lhamo Latso, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Namtso. According to Tibetans, the lake is considered as the life line of the inhabitants. It is said if the lake dries up, Tibet would become an inhabitable place. The lake is considered to be guarded by the goddess Dorje Gegkyi Tso. Tibetans perform pilgrimage to Yamdrok Lake and circumambulate around the lake in seven days to wash away their sins and earn merit. The lake’s spiritual energies are associated with the Second Buddha, Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Tibet. Moreover, Buddhists believe Lake Yamdrok helps them find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. There is also the famous Samding Monastery headed by a female reincarnation on a peninsula near the lake.

Yamdrok Lake with snow capped mountains in the backround

Natural Habitat in and around Yamdrok Lake

The crystal clear, freshwaters of the Yamdrok Lake and its surroundings are home to fish, migratory birds and flocks of sheep. Yamdrok Yumtso Lake has shoals of freshwater fish named Gymnocypris przewalskii, which swim to the shallow water to lay eggs every summer. The lake is the largest habitat for migratory birds in southern Tibet as well. During the season, the lake bank and its islands are dotted with numerous birds and their offspring. There are no wild animals in the region but local Tibetans can be seen grazing herds of goats, sheep and yaks on the rich summer pastures.

June 21, 2016
Tsongon Po (Qinghai Lake)

Known as Qinghai Lake in Chinese (meaning Green Lake), Kokonor in Mongolian (meaning Blue Lake) and Tsongon Po (མཚོ་སྔོན་པོ།) in Tibetan (meaning Teal Sea), this largest inland saltwater lake in China is found in the Qinghai Province. Amidst the lofty mountains of Xiangpi, Datong, Riyue, and the South Mountain, Qinghai Lake is spread over an area of 4,500 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,200 meters. The natives believe Qinghai Lake is a miracle bestowed by a deity.
The vast grasslands surrounding Qinghai Lake are dotted with flocks of sheep and goats, shepherds’ tents, golden rape seed flowers, and wheat fields. The Qinghai Lake is dotted with five unique-shaped islands including the Haixin Hill, Gucha Hill, Bird Island, Haixi Hill, and Sand Island.

Bird Island (Niaodao)

To the west of the Qinghai Lake is the Niaodao, which is the ‘Kingdom of Birds’. Bird Island covers an area of 0.11 square kilometers and reaches ten meters above the lake. The island is a natural habitat for more than 100,000 birds of diverse species such as swan, gull, sandpipers, wild goose, crane, and even the rare black-necked crane. During the spring and summer months, thousands of birds from as far as Southeast Asia flock to their kingdom to breed.

Haixin Hill (Hill of the Sea Heart)

25 kilometers from the Bird Island is Haixin Hill, also known as ‘Immortal Hill’. It lies to the south of the central Qinghai Lake. Haixin Hill is covered with granite rocks, sandy soil, and vegetation. Achnatherum splendens, Kobresia, Thermopsis lancaolata, wheatgrass, and Oxytropis falcate Bunge are the common plants species found on the island. The Hill of the Sea Heart also has temples and clear springs.

Marine Life in Qinghai Lake

The Qinghai Lake is abundant in fish, especially the Huang fish reputed for being the King of the Lake by locals, and the lone alpine saltwater fish in China. In northwest China, the Qinghai Lake is the largest natural fish habitat. During the breeding season in April and May, schools of Huang fish swim to the nearby rivers to lay eggs.

The ‘Tour of Qinghai Lake’ Cycle Race

The international ‘Tour of Qinghai Lake’ Cycle Race takes place around Qinghai Lake during July and August every year. Since 2002, this event is among Asia’s top cycling events, and is known for having the highest altitude, averaging over 3,000 meters, of all the international cycling races. With twenty teams, and more than a hundred cyclists from all over the world, the race covers a distance of 1,300 kilometers and takes nine days to complete.

June 21, 2016
Norbulingka Summer Palace

Located on the western edge of Lhasa at the bank of River Kyichu and just a kilometer from the famous Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace (ནོར་བུ་གླིང་ག) offers the best landscapes in the region. Spread over an area of 360,000 square meters, Norbulingka features the summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas with 374 rooms, and the largest, most beautiful, and well-preserved gardens in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Norbulingka (Luobulinka in Chinese) means Treasure or Jeweled Park in Tibetan. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2001, Norbulingka reflects the religious and ethnic aspects of the Tibetan, Han Chinese, and other tribes with its impressive architecture. Norbulingka houses more than 30,000 cultural relics and is a national tourist attraction of the Tibetan region.

An annual Shoton Festival in the first week of July is held at Norbulingka where people enjoy food and drinks, and watch Tibetan operas along with traditional dances.

History of Norbulingka

In the past, the area was prevalent with weeds, scrubs, and wild animals, and was frequently visited by the 7^th Dalai Lama in the summer. Some records suggested the Dalai Lama used the hot springs in the area to cure his health problems. The Imperial Minister of the Qing Dynasty ordered for a Pavilion Palace to be built for the Dalai Lama as a summer retreat.

Later in 1751, a three-floor palace named Kelsang Potrang inside Norbulingka itself was added by the 7^th Dalai Lama which consisted of the Buddha hall, an assembly hall, a reading room, a god temple, and a bedroom. The 8^th Dalai Lama made additions to Norbulingka in the form of palaces such as the Dragon King Temple, the Lake Heart Palace, and Han-style pavilion and gardens. Up until the 14^th Dalai Lama, Norbulingka had seen many extensions, and now is a complex with many palaces, flower gardens, and lakes.

Just a small section, Norbulingka holds one of the largest and well-preserved gardens in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Palaces of Norbulingka

Norbulingka has five distinct sections: Kelsang Palace, Tsokyil Palace, Golden Linka, Takten Migyur Palace, and Lake Heart Palace. Each palace has three main sections: the palace area, the forest area, and the area in front of the palace. (Note: the Tibetan word for “Palace” is “Potrang”.)

Kelsang Palace

This palace was built by the 7^th Dalai Lama in typical Tibetan style and consists of worship rooms, reading rooms, and bedrooms. The main hall features the throne of the 7^th Dalai Lama amidst statues of Guanyin Bodhisattva and Longevity Buddha.

Tsokyil Palace

It lies to the northwest of Kelsang Palace in the midst of the lake and is the most attractive pavilion built by the 8^th Dalai Lama.

Golden Linka and Chensel Palace

To the northwest of Kelsang Phodrong lies also the Chensel Palace and on the west side of Norbulingka is the Golden Phodron. Both these were built in 1922 by a benefactor for the 13^th Dalai Lama.

Lake Heart Palace

The most beautiful area in southwest Norbulingka, the Lake Heart Palace was built by the 8th Dalai Lama to hold parties with dignitaries.

Takten Migyur Palace

Completed by 1956, Takten Migyur Palace was built by the 14^th Dalai Lama and is also referred to as the New Summer Palace. More magnificent and larger than the other palaces, the New Palace features exquisite murals of Sakyamuni and his eight contemplative disciples, and also those related to the development of Tibet.

June 21, 2016
Jokhang Temple

Standing four stories tall, spread over an area of about 25,000 square meters in the heart of Lhasa, the UNESCO World Heritage Jokhang Temple (ཇོ་ཁང་།) with its golden roof is an esoteric blend of local Tibetan elements with Nepalese, Chinese, and Indian influences.
The spinning of prayer wheels, murmur of mantras, and humble prostrations of devout pilgrims all year long but especially at Losar during the Great Prayer Festival show the significance of this revered spiritual center of Tibet.

Destroyed twice during the anti-Buddhist movements in the late 7th century and middle of the 9th century, and once during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, the spectacular Jokhang Temple has been regularly expanded and extensively reconstructed over the years.

The History Behind Jokhang Temple

The impressive Jokhang Temple was initiated in 647 AD by the famous King Songtsen Gampo, the first King of Unified Tibet during the Tang Dynasty. In order to strengthen ties with neighboring Nepal, he married Princess Bhrikuti in 630AD, who was the Nepalese king’s sister. In her dowry, she brought the statue of Akshobhya Buddha (or Mikyoba). Later on in 641AD, he took Princess Wencheng as his second wife, who was related to Tang Chinese emperor. Princess Wencheng also brought the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha.

In order to house the two statues of Akshobhya Buddha and Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha, two temples were built on Lake Wothang. The Ramoche Temple was built to hold the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni. After some time, the King also ordered the erection of the Rasa Trulnang Tsuglag Khang, another temple to contain the statue of Akshobhya Buddha. After the death of the King in 649 AD, Queen Wencheng transferred the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni from the Ramoche temple and hid it away in the temple of Rasa Trulnang Tsuglag Khang during the Chinese invasion. The Akshobhya Vajra statue then traded places with former and moved to the Ramoche temple. Later in 710 AD, the Rasa Trulnang Tsuglag Khang Temple was renamed Jokhang, which means ‘Shrine of the Jowo’.

Originally the temple consisted of only eight shrines. But later on it was renovated and expanded during the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty, and the Qing Dynasty to the massive monastery it is today.

From 8 shrines, Jokhang Temple has grown across many dynasties into the impressive temple it is today

Legends Surrounding the Jokhang Temple

There are various legends surrounding the establishment of the Jokhang Temple. One legend states that Queen Bhrikuti established the temple to contain the statue, while Queen Wencheng picked the location according to the astrological signs and geomancy divination. Lake Wothang was believed to be the center of demonic forces and only a grand temple on the spot would drive away the evils preventing the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.

According to another legend, the King tossed his ring into the air for the spirits to indicate where he should construct the temple. Upon falling into a lake, a stupa surfaced from the water. The temple site at the lake was filled with sand carried by a thousand goats from a faraway mountain, thus giving it its first name, Rasa (‘ra’ is goat and ‘sa’ is earth in Tibetan).

Architectural Highlights

The outside of the temple is adorned with the early representations of Buddhism such as deer and wheel motifs, while the interior presents a maze of chapels devoted to different gods and bodhisattvas and a significant collection of cultural artifacts surrounded by candles and incense. The holiest object in Tibet, a life-size statue of Jowo Shakyamuni adorned with jewels, is the heart of the Jokhang Temple.

June 21, 2016
Chengdu

Chengdu is the main gateway city to Tibet, meaning that most travelers will spend some time here before heading onwards in their journey. Located in Sichuan province, this city is also the biggest and most important city in Southwest China. With a population of 14 million in the greater Chengdu area, this is a large city, but it is known throughout China as a city that still maintains a small town pace of life.
While in Chengdu there are several things you may want to see, with a lot of travelers finding time in their schedule to visit the famous Giant Panda Breeding Research Base which holds the largest panda population in the world. Located only 12km northeast of the city, go early in the morning to see the pandas when they are most active.

Sichuan province is known even in China as an eating out culture and Chengdu is no exception.

The province of Sichuan is known for two culinary related characteristics: eating out is always best, and spicy food is a must! So, if you dare, trying Sichuan hotpot is a must while you are in the province. If possible, you may wish to order the pot that’s split in half so that you have both spicy and not-spicy options to alternate between as you desire. However, while in Sichuan watch out for the tongue numbing spices, and consider yourself forewarned. Whether you call it a “Sichuan pepper”, “Chinese prickly ash”, or “huajiao”, this peppercorn is not one you want to mess with, so watch your chopsticks – this is what makes hotpot, hotpot!

Jinli St. Performance Artists, Chengdu

South of the river is the Wuhou Temple which is the most popular temple to visit. While the entrance fee to the temple itself is reasonable, some guests skip the cost of entrance and wander the souvenir and food stalls, or the tranquil gardens surrounding the temple. The main entrance to Wuhou Temple is located on next to Jinli Street, which is also a popular walk into the historical architecture of China.

Chengdu is famous for tea culture

Like a lot of places in China, Chengdu is known for their tea drinking, and tea houses abound around the city. There are several tea houses which can be found in the streets around Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street, and also a large traditional tea garden at People’s Park (in the heart of the city). If you’ve never been to a Chinese Tea Ceremony, this might be the time to experience one. South of Chengdu sits the heart of tea in SW China: Mengding Mt. It is possible to arrange a day trip to this quiet area and tour a tea planation, pick your own tea leaves, and even prepare the leaves over the fire to take home as your very own souvenir. While there, you can also enjoy lunch on the grounds with the farmers.

A visit to Chengdu includes the unique option of making your own tea! (At Mengding Mt. south of Chengdu)

As for the Tibetan aspects of this city, there are several things you will not want to miss. Branching off of Jinli Street, and almost directly opposite the entrance to the Wuhou Temple, look for the Tibetan Quarter. You will know when you arrive, but some maps of Chengdu mark one particular street as the Tibetan Art and Culture Street. Here you will find Tibetan restaurants, clothing stores, craft shops, and idol shops.

Tourists may also choose to wander the grounds of Southwest University for Nationalities, but to do so will require you to walk through a gate past guards. In reality, they won’t stop you, so continue in to see the university with the most Tibetan students in the city. It is no coincidence that this university has historically included a Tibetan studies program and that the Tibetan quarter has grown up around the surrounding neighborhood.

Hungry? When passing so many Tibetan restaurants, it would be a shame to not try something. It is worth stopping in this part of the city for a meal. Look for dishes such as Tibetan Noodles (almost a stew), yak meat pie, or momos (the Tibetan version of dumplings). And don’t forget, authentic yak butter tea will be available in these local restaurants as well. As a more tame alternative, you may prefer to try the “Lhasa sweet tea”.

Even if you don’t know what a sign says, it is easy to spot a Tibetan business by their beautiful script. Tibetan is written completely different from Chinese characters. Several of the business will be adorned in prayer flags, and it is not uncommon to see Tibetan’s in their traditional dress, or Buddhist monks and nuns on the streets. As with a lot of cities, Chengdu is a melting pot, meaning that the Tibetan population of the city is made up of people from all different sub-cultures and dialects as the city itself is not actually a part of Tibet.

June 20, 2016
JiLi Long Yangqin Tents Guesthouse

Many colourful tents are set up on the broad grasslands surrounding Hongyuan, in the Amdo Tibetan region. Here, one can see herds of yaks, sheep, and horses spread over miles of grassland spotted by the black tents of nomadic herders. In this guesthouse, you are welcome to stay as a guest with local nomads.
Colorful tent option as a rainbow shines in the background

Ciwang Danzhen is an educated nomad. He is very happy with his nomadic life, where he spends his days herding yaks, sheep, and horses, but he feels happier when he has the chance to show his nomadic life and culture to friends from all over the world. So Ciwang and his family opened the tent guesthouse on the fascinating Hongyuan grasslands in 2015. Named JiLi Long Yangqin Tents Guesthouse. Currently, there are 12 employees at the guesthouse. 5 of them are family members and the rest come from the surrounding local communities.

Hotel room option for guesthouse

As a guest, you have the option of staying in their hotel, but for those wanting a little more authentic experience, you may stay in one of their guest tents made with the traditional black yak wool. While you stay, enjoy the healthy food, because everything you eat is organic with nomads! For example, fresh milk, tsam pa (barley flour), yoghurt, yak meat, etc., might find its way to the bowl in front of you. If you are interested, you can even help the guesthouse prepare the food that you and the other guests will be served. When you are ready for a drink, the guesthouse has a very nice teahouse, where you can go to drink yak milk, black tea, and yak butter tea.

One-bed hotel options with beautiful view

You are also welcome to join and enjoy the local Tibetan entertainment, such as, traditional games, dancing, singing, horse riding, and archery. In Tibetan tradition, people hold outdoor parties, where they hold hands and dance around the campfire. Maybe you will be lucky enough and find yourself learning to dance like a nomad!

As the sun sets, take a moment to stop and stargaze. In such a vast sky, the moon and the stars seem brighter, and you might lose yourself for a quiet moment before you retire to your tent or hotel room for a good night’s sleep.

Night sky over the tent houses

Chiwang Danzhen hopes that he can bring a positive impact to his local economy, and he hopes that more and more young Tibetans can stand on their own two feet by starting their own small business.

We recommend Jili Long Yangqing Tents guesthouse if you have chance to visit the Hongyuan Tibetan area. We are confident that you will have a pleasant stay living with local Tibetan nomads and experiencing the rich culture that they have to offer.

Contact Info:

地址：红原县霞穹中街红原牦牛肉食品公司东北400米

手机: 赤旺丹增13438791502

前台：0837-2661119

Address: Xia Qiong Zhong Jie, Hongyuan County, Nearby the Hongyuan Yak Meat Food Company.

Phone: Ciwang Danzhen: 13438791502

Front desk: 0837-2661119

June 7, 2016
City Nomad Guesthouse

In the city of Xining, you will find a cozy and welcoming guesthouse called City Nomad. While you won’t be staying in the grasslands with sheep, yaks, and horses, you will experience a taste of the nomadic spirit in the midst of the city. In this sweet and comfortable guesthouse, one can experience the nomadic passion and enthusiasm for life.
This guesthouse is run by a young, educated, and knowledgeable Tibetan nomad named Tashi. He opened City Nomad guesthouse in April 2015.

While a little crowed for some foreigners, City Nomad provides a nice place to rest and sleep for groups of travelers.

Tashi started the business, first, because he wanted to support his family financially. Secondly, as a Tibetan, he felt strongly that it was his duty to introduce Tibetan culture and places to people from all over the world. Tashi believed that people would have a better understanding of perspectives from different cultural backgrounds if they had a better platform and opportunity to exchange ideas and share stories.

City Nomad has 3 Tibetan staff who are very helpful, friendly, and who want to ensure you have a pleasant stay. The two-story guesthouse is very comfortable and clean. In fact, it might just be one of the cleanest in the area, and shoes are not allowed to be worn inside. While they don’t provide food, they do offer drinks for guests to purchase.

For those looking for a nice bed, City Nomad also offers beds with more of a home feel.

Tashi himself speaks fluent English, and would be very happy to help you if you have questions related to travel in Xining or other Tibetan areas. Tashi has direct contacts with many Tibetan communities across the plateau, and sometime he can also be found leading trips to other communities. These trips bring benefit to both his guests and fellow Tibetans.

Tashi wants City Nomad to become a successful and sustainable business, providing a model that other young Tibetan entrepreneurs can learn from. He hopes that his guesthouse might become a leader in the hospitality industry in Tibetan areas, and that City Nomad may make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of the Tibetan economy.

We highly recommend city nomad guesthouse to travelers stopping in Xining. In the words of one of his clients: “Dear Tashi, Thanks for the best experience I could have asked for in Xining. You are the kindest, most gracious host I have ever had, I really enjoyed getting to know you and your friend. – Enka”.

Contact Info:

Address: 南山路建新巷陇原叠翠小区 6号楼 3单元 11 楼 3111室

Address: Room 3111, 11th floor Unit3 Building 6 Nanshan road Jiaxin street. Long yuan die cui pinnacle lane commun Xining city Qinghai Province, China.

Phone: 15897141336

June 3, 2016
Jiachu’s Homestay

In the shadow of the famous Konka Mountain, lies the Yulongxi Village. It is in this majestic setting that one can find Jiachu’s Homestay. The owner, Jiachu, has spent his entire life in the Kham Tibetan Region, making him a local expert.
It all started one day when Jiachu was asked to drive to his hometown by a few Chinese tourists, so he invited them to stay with his family and provided them with a sample of the local food. This small opportunity stirred up Jiachu’s idea of opening a homestay for tourists. As Jiachu shared this idea with these tourists, they expressed their support for it, and later, in 2004 they began recommending their friends to his homestay. Jiachu has been running the homestay with his family for more than 10 years now. He was the first person to open a homestay in the whole valley.

From one person to small amounts of travelers, Jiachu offers the accommodations of a Tibetan family.

In the beginning Jiachu had just a few beds on his floor for tourists, but now there are 5 different rooms for guests to choose from. Jiachu has also since built a public shower room and nice toilet for his guests. Now, Jiachu is planning to expand his homestay by building guest rooms with their own private bathrooms.

Get the feel for a Tibetan house, full of colorful walls and carpet.

Jiachu is very passionate about showing his hometown to friends from all over the world. He welcomes people to stay with his family at his cozy and comfortable home, and he is happy to share local food with people, especially his favorite dishes. It is always nice being with local Tibetans to experience their authentic culture. He also provides trekking trips, and he supports his neighbors and friends by hiring them and their horses for the journeys.

As more tourists visit his hometown, environmental protection has begun to get his attention. Jiachu has started working with a few organizations to educate local people about protecting the beautiful landscape that they call home. Jiachu has gained a lot of experience and benefits by running his homestay business, so he shared his experience with other people in the valley. Since starting his homestay, there are now 6 homestays in the valley as others have followed his lead.

Whether you wish to trek Konka Mountain, or simply want to wake up to a stunning view, Jiachu’s Homestay could be the quiet resting place you are looking for.

Contact Info:

地址：四川省甘孜州康定县贡嘎山乡玉龙西村。

电话：13778391377.

Address: Yulongxi Village, Gongga Township, Kangding County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Provine.

Phone: 13778391377

May 31, 2016
Tashi’s Homestay

Tashi’s Homestay is in the Pengbuxi village, of the Minya area in the Kham region. From the deck off of your room, you can relax with the beverage of your choice and enjoy the view of surrounding mountains and valleys. Peaceful is the word that pops to mind. Wandering the streets of this village you know you have gotten off of the beaten track, and are witnessing the normal, daily life of the locals.
Tashi himself is a local farmer and a very outgoing man. He is the father of two kids, and proud grandfather of two granddaughters. His entire family is involved in farming.

In Pengbuxi, farming is a way of life. The local people in Tashi’s area predominantly grow barley, as this is one of the main foods in Tibet. Tashi’s family’s income comes in part from picking caterpillar fungus. While he used to rely heavily on selling the fungus, there are only 3 months of the year when the fungus can be harvested, so it doesn’t make for a very steady income throughout the year. As a result, the family often turned to other things to make money during the remainder of the year.

One such venture that Tashi undertook was to buying a vehicle. He bought a car because his village is in the valley that goes to Minya Konka Mountain, attracting a lot of tourists. As a result, Tashi’s main clientele were tourists. After driving tourists around for a while, he found that there was also a demand for tourist to experience local Tibetan culture through a homestay, so Tashi began receiving and welcoming tourists to his home.

Some of the accommodations provided by Tashi and his family

Tashi has been running the homestay for a few years now, and he has been receiving positive and encouraging feedback from his guests. Previously, the homestay was very basic, but he has since built a new house and bathroom two years ago. Now clients have access to hot showers and a western toilet.

Mountains surround the Pengbuxi village, so while you visit, you can go hiking and enjoy the beautiful landscape that the Minya area has to offer. If you want to try your hand, you can offer to help Tashi and his family in their daily farming activities. While you stay, sample some of the local flavors that Tibetan food has to offer.

Come and hang out with Tashi’s family and learn more about the Tibetan culture

So far, Tashi’s homestay is the only homestay in the whole valley, but villagers are being influenced by him, with some even hoping that they too can open their own homestay and start small business. Tashi hopes that more and more people can continue to visit his hometown and stay with his family.

If you are looking for an authentic Tibetan homestay experience and find yourself in the Minya area, consider Tashi’s Homestay as a place to rest your wandering feet.

Contact Info:

地址：康定县朋布西乡朵让村

电话：159-8374-3209

Address: Duorang Village, Pengbu Township, Kangding County, Ganzi Prefecture.

Phone: 159-8374-3209

May 31, 2016
Tenpa’s Homestay

In the quiet little Tibetan village of Duorang, travellers can find Tenpa’s Homestay. The namesake – Tenpa – is from the Kham Minya area. Tenpa studied English for few years, so he speaks fluent English, Chinese, and Tibetan. He has been working as a guide and driver in the Kham Tibetan region for more than 7 years, and his experience shows. Unlike others in the area, Tenpa and his wife do not have farmland, so their income comes not from farming, but curious travellers. Tenpa is a very outgoing, humorous, and positive person, meaning those who travel with him have a lot of fun.
Tenpa’s village is on the way to the mountain of Minya Konka. A new road was built through his hometown two years ago, allowing more and more tourist to come to Tenpa’s hometown to visit the mountain.

Come, stay and relax in the common area.

Tenpa wants tourists to experience the culture and customs of Tibet. In 2015, Tenpa opened a homestay with his wife – Tenzin Zhuoga. Together, Tenpa and his wife run the homestay for their guests. There are about 20 beds in the homestay, all of which are very clean and comfortable. There is also a big living room in the home. With a fireplace in the middle of the room, travellers can come and sit by a fire with Tenpa’s family and cozily sip some yak butter tea, a must have while anywhere in Tibet.

Learn more about the Tibetan culture by chatting with the family.

If you are planning a trip to Minya Konka, or find yourself wandering through the Kham Minya area, consider paying a visit to Tenpa and his family at their homestay.

Contact Info:

地址：康定县朋布西乡朵让村

电话：15983739877

Address: Duorang Village, Pengbu Township, Kangding County, Ganzi Prefecture.

Phone: 1598373 9877

May 31, 2016
Dolma La Restaurant

Stepping inside the Dolma La Tibetan restaurant, one is immediately taken by the richly coloured wooden walls and furniture. I spied the stairs leading up to the second floor dining area and couldn’t resist climbing them to discover what lay above me. Upstairs the natural light filters in through the wooden window frames to illuminate the Tibetan artwork which adorns the walls. While here, I sampled the Amdo Noodle with Yak Meat, and thoroughly enjoyed it to the last morsel.
Inside, one can see the comfortable setting offered by the Tibetan restaurant

The Dolma La was founded in 2015 and is run by two young and energetic Tibetan men who like taking risks and tackling challenges head on. Wongxur and Renqing both come from nomadic tribes in North East Tibet, so they decided to introduce the nomadic food to the big city. They wanted to provide the people of Chengdu with healthy and organic Tibetan food at reasonable prices, so Dolma La was born.

On the first floor you will find the bathroom, front desk, kitchen, and about half of the tables accompanied by quaint wooden chairs. However, if you climb the steep staircase to the second floor you will find the other half of the dining area is fit with couches perfect for a relaxing over a lazy meal. There are also two private rooms on the second floor if you happen to have a larger group.

Delicious Tibetan Food

This is a cozy restaurant with a small, friendly set of staff. One of the staff in particular speaks fluent English, so the Dolma La has offered their space to be used every Tuesday night as an English corner. This gives the locals of Chengdu the opportunity to sit with ex-pats, and other English speakers who wish to volunteer their time, to practice their language skills, and no doubt, to exchange a little culture as well.

If you are out exploring Chengdu in the evening, every night at around 10:00pm Dolma La has live performances of traditional Tibetan music. Guests often use this time as a chance to sample the flavors of Tibetan wine and beer as they enjoy music steeped in a deep cultural history.

Contact Info:

地址：成都市高升桥东路北站罗马假日广场B2-305.

电话： 028-85108297

Address: Rome Holiday Square. Gaosheng Bridge, East Road. North Station. B2-305.

Phone: 028-85108297

May 31, 2016
Zhongde Tan Cafe

Zhongde is located in town of Ruoergai, Aba prefecture, of the Sichuan province. For the past year, two Tibetan university graduates have been running their unique coffee bookshop here – Zhongde.
Yangtan and Pabazu are are full of passion, pride, and love for their culture. These brave grads decided to stand on their own feet instead of working for others. both went to a university, yet they dreamed of being entrepreneurs. They dreamed of introducing and preserving their culture and Tibetan heritage. Now, they are making their dreams a reality.
Lecture taking place in the cafe. Come enjoy learning and educating yourself with the locals and fellow travellers.

There are 4 employees in the coffee bookshop so far. The company is very unique in Ruoergai because it is the first coffee shop that provides books, Tibetan food, coffee, and opportunities to study and receive training, all in one spot.
If you visit Zhongde, you can enjoy coffee, local milk tea, and books – a book lovers favorite thing! You also can join workshops and training to exchange ideas and share you own stories with others. Discussions in this bookstore range from cultural preservation to environmental protection. The hope for Zhongde is that people can learn different skills and ideas through their platform. They want more and more local people to join them, and to learn and share with one another. Isn’t that the fastest way for knowledge to spread?

With such a relaxing setting, you will forget the outside world.

They invite friends from all over the world to enjoy food and coffee with them. They will be happy to serve you, and encourage guests to come, to share, and to continue learning with them. They hope that they can be model entrepreneurs for local people and encourage young Tibetans to start their own small businesses too!

Contact Info:

地址：若尔盖文明市场.

电话： 18894562777

Address: Wenming Market, Ruoergai County Town.

Phone: 18894562777

May 31, 2016
Bala Clothing Store

Wandering into Bala Clothing Store, one will find exquisite garments in traditional Tibetan style designed by Deqing who is from a small village in the Kham Minya Region. She received her bachelor’s degree at Northwest University for Nationalities where she majored in English. After she graduated from college, Deqing worked in a NGO where she was in charge of program sponsorship. Through this NGO, Deqing helped many students with their tuition, ensuring students could go on to further their education. Later on, she started her first small business.
Deqing opened a bar in the town of Kangding with her husband. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for their business though, as they faced several challenges over time. Deqing’s business went through periods where it had its ups and downs, to the point where money was in short supply. While Deqing’s bar is no longer in operation, she didn’t give up on her dream of being an entrepreneur.

Enterance to the Bala Clothing store

Deqing is very passionate about Tibetan culture, and she enjoys designing clothing. So as one with a true entrepreneurial spirit, Deqing started again. This time though, she opened a clothing shop.

At the beginning Bala Clothing Shop was a small, but through hard work and persistence, Deqing has expanded it to a shop of quite a notable size.

Deqing is a very active entrepreneur. She attends a lot of different workshops to study and share her experience of running small businesses. She is also active in charity, and continues to find ways to help Tibetan students with their tuition.

If you are stopping in Kangding, pay a visit to Bala store, to marvel at the traditional Tibetan dresses and clothing that she has designed. Who knows? Maybe you will look good in it, and find yourself going home with a beautiful, locally designed, traditional dress, or unique piece of jewelry.

Some of the merchandise sold at Bala Clothing

Contact Info:

地址：甘孜州康定市光明路，芭拉店。

电话: 13320796088

Address: Guangming Road, Kangding City Town, Ganzi Prefecture.

Phone: 13320796088

May 31, 2016
Sok Bo Tibetan Hostel

On a hillside above the town of Xinduqiao, Sok Bo Tibetan Hostel is open to receiving travelers who wish to explore the Kham Tibetan Region.
Tsering Lamo (the owner) used to work for a hostel as a chef, and it was there that she learned a lot about running a business and customer service. Tsering enjoys serving and welcoming guests from all over the world.

Tsering had the dream of being an entrepreneur when she was in high school. She thought that she wouldn’t have very much time to be with her family if she worked for others, but as an entrepreneur she would have a lot of time and freedom to be with her family. As an entrepreneur, Tesring would also get to enjoy doing something that she is very passionate about and is interested in.

With such a vast amount of color in one place, it is no wonder the Tibetan culture is so beautiful.

Tsering thinks that it is very meaningful to gain a lot of different life experiences. So in March in 2015, she decided to open a hostel on her own in her hometown. Currently, there are many guest houses in her hometown, but she is the only local business owner.

If you choose to stay at Sok Bo Tibetan Hostel, you will not only enjoy the beautiful view from the rooms, but also the local Tibetan food and flavors. While there, you could try Yak meat pizza or hamburgers, if your taste buds are up for the adventure. Tsering is a very outgoing girl, and if you ask nicely, she might even teach you some of the local Tibetan style dancing if you are interested in testing your coordination! There are also a variety of handcrafted pieces Tsering could show you to buy, made by the locals, which might serve as a reminder of your trip for years to come.

Feeling adventurous? Try the yak meat pizza while staying at Sok Bo Tibetan Hostel.

Tsering has gone through some difficult moments, but she always faces them with her determination and positive attitude. Now, she has three staff and a few volunteers. Her dream of being an entrepreneur came true, but she is not satisfied with it just yet. Tsering dreams big. She wants to help poor Tibetan students with their school tuition and others who can’t afford their medical bills, through the success of her business. Tsering desires to be a good example of female entrepreneurship, and wants to encourage other women who have similar dreams as her.

Contact Info:

康定市新都桥镇藏文中学后面高尔寺佛学院下面318国道2919处.

电话：135-6867-8805

Address: Behind of Xinduqiao Tibetan Middle School or Near by National Road 318, Kangding County.

Phone: 135-6867-8805

May 30, 2016
Malaya Tibetan Restaurant

The Malaya Tibetan Restaurant was founded in 2006. Located in the heart of the town of Kangding, it is the oldest and best Tibetan Restaurant in town. The restaurant is run by a young and knowledgeable Tibetan guy – Xirao – who is from Minyak, in the Kham region. Xirao received his education in China, and he speaks fluent Tibetan, Chinese, and English. He is passionate about Tibetan culture, especially culture that is shown through food.
Inside the Malaya Tibetan Restaurant

Inside Malaya, the decorations are very beautiful and unique. In order to give clients a healthy and comfortable environment, Xirao renovated the restaurant in 2014. There are 14 staff at the restaurant, all of whom are Tibetan. The Malaya restaurant has been providing job opportunities to young, local Tibetans, which has been accompanied by providing the necessary training to see their staff continue to grow. The staff welcome their diners with enthusiasm, and they are always happy to provide the best food and service to their customers.

Inside the restaurant, there are 5 different private rooms, and a large dining hall which can hold more than 100 people. Such a large dining room allows them to offer the space for large parties and events. Malaya has a beautiful view which is complemented with the delicious food and Tibetan music. While visiting Malaya, try their Tibetan butter tea or local Tibetan wines. As a result of Malaya’s enjoyable food and their quality of the service, the restaurant was recognized in 2015 as the “most unique local restaurant” by the local tourist administration.

Contact Info:

地址：康定水井电梯公寓6楼。

电话：0836-2877111

Address: Shui Jing Apartment 6 Floor, Kangding City Town, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Phone: 0836-2877111

May 30, 2016