Tibetpedia

Tag: Business Highlight

  • Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar

    Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar

    A Kangding Gem

    The Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar is a Tibetan restaurant in the older part of Kangding town (Sichuan province). The uniquely-structured restaurant is located up a flight of stairs and is always filled with guests—local customers and tourists from around the world. And they all have one thing in common: they recommend Taoshi Yongdeng’s exclusive yak meat. So, don’t miss their yak meat and potatoes dish (see below)! The restaurant also has a variety of other local dishes, such as momos and yak pizza, and an impressive drink menu.

    Yak Meat and Potatoes
    Yak Meat and Potatoes

    As you step inside the restaurant, a “homey” feeling greets you. The locally-made decor and furniture in the reception area strike you as exotic and familiar. Then, a concierge staff greets you and escorts you to a table. If you need privacy, they offer private rooms for large groups or for reservation. The serving staff are specially trained by the owner, who has trained dozens of top waiters throughout her career. So, service here is terrific!

    The Restaurant overlooking the streets of Kangding
    The Restaurant overlooking the streets of Kangding

    A Go-To Authentic Tibetan Restaurant

    Next, you notice that the tourist-friendly menu is written in easy-to-read English. The waiter tells you that all their meat comes from the mountains of Luhuo and Setar – nearby areas especially known for the finest yaks. So, you trust her and decide to try that famous yak meat and potato dish. You add a few other recommended dishes to your order. She jots them down and then sends the order to the kitchen. You’ve heard about Taoshi Yongdeng’s all-Tibetan cooking team, so the promise of authentic flavors from the plateau activate your hunger as the aromas from the kitchen waft by your table.

    A server at the bar, waiting for her guests
    A server at the bar, waiting for her guests

    Your food arrives quicker than you expected. And the flavors do not disappoint. You plan to leave Kangding in the morning and ask the owner if she has other restaurants in the places you are traveling. You keep your fingers crossed as she tells you no. Not yet, at least. She plans to but hasn’t yet found an ideal business partner. You think to yourself that if you were a local friend, you wouldn’t hesitate to invest in this promising enterprise.

    Taoshi Yongdeng Tibetan Bar is open 7 days a week from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm.

    An ornate entrance to the bar.
    An ornate entrance to the bar.

    Contact Info:

    Address: 康定溜溜溜溜城108剃B幢2楼
    Kangding Liu Liu Town Stairs 108 Pillar B 2nd Floor

    Telephone: 0836-2863222
    For further information call: 1364490007

  • Taoping Qiang Village & Erma Guesthouse

    Taoping Qiang Village & Erma Guesthouse

    Taoping Qiang

    The Qiang people are the oldest minority in China, with a long and interesting history. They live in Sichuan province and have their own spoken language. They do not, however, have a written language. If you want to learn about the architecture and lifestyle of the Qiang minority, Taoping Qiang Village is the best place to go. The village is known as “Mysterious Oriental Castle” for its unique architecture and distinct flavor. Naturally, the houses are all made of stone and connect to each other by crisscrossed paths, which gives the village a cryptic feel.

    Taoping Qiang New Village
    Taoping Qiang New Village

    Taoping Qiang Village is 130 kilometers (a two-hour drive) away from Chengdu. So, getting there for a day-trip or an overnighter is not out of the question. Once you get there, you’ll discover there are two sections to the village: an old and a new. The new village was built after the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008 and it is free to wander around. The old village, however, has over 1,000 years of history and requires a 60RMB entrance fee. You don’t begrudge this because you find it worthwhile to see the impressive architecture that survived the earthquake.

    Erma Guesthouse

    Inside the village, there is a quaint guesthouse run by a local Qiang woman that provides excellent and friendly service to travelers.

    The Yard of Erma Guesthouse
    The Yard of Erma Guesthouse

    Erma Guesthouse is a cozy, 5-story accommodation. Each floor has guestrooms with clean bathrooms and comfortable beds. The 4thand 5th floors have the best view of the village and the mountains. Outside, the courtyard is a great place for a cup of tea or coffee and a book. At mealtimes, they serve up specialty Qiang cuisine. Your lodging fee includes dinner and breakfast.

    A Quiet Alley in the Old Village
    A Quiet Alley in the Old Village

    A brief 5-minutes walk from the guesthouse brings you to a place called “Yangjia Yuan,” where you can see an ancient, underground water distribution system inside an old Qiang house. The house owner will take you on a  tour for 30RMB. The tour gives you a better understanding of Qiang architecture, history, and lifestyle.

    Another short walk from Erma Guesthouse will take you to a viewing platform overlooking the village. From here, the valley and the village are spectacular. So, be sure to check it out.

    Taoping Qiang Village and Erma Guesthouse come with our highest recommendation.

    A Happy Employee at Erma Guesthouse Shucking Corn for Guests
    A Happy Employee at Erma Guesthouse Shucking Corn for Guests