Nyingchi Ethnic Culture

Located in the southeast of Tibet, Nyingchi means the throne of sun in Tibetan language. Bordering Burma to the south, Nyingchi is also famed as the “East Switzerland” and “Jiangnan of Tibet”(Jiangnan in Chinese means the fertile and prosperous area in the south of the Yangtze). The deepest canyon in the world, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, lies here.

Ethnic Groups

Nyingchi is home to more than ten ethnic groups such as Tibetan, Han, Hui, Nu, Monpa, Lhoba, Dulong Naxi, Tujia, Lisu, and the Deng people who have not yet determined the ethnic composition. The total population is 231,000, of which the Tibetan population accounts for  more than 90% of the total population. Except for Medog County, the residents of the other 6 counties are mainly Tibetans.

History Culture

Nyingchi is a place, where is full of mysteries, such as the mysterious ethnic groups. In ancient time, Nyingchi Prefecture is dated back to 5000 years ago with discovered human remains and graves belonging to the Neolithic age. According to the related researches, human beings had a slash and burn agriculture as well as the fishery by the river at that time. Concerning to the recorded history of Nyingchi, it is in the inscriptions on precipices located nearby the Yongzhongzeng Village. Though caved 1200 years ago, these scripts are still distinct describing the legend about the first head of the Yanaon Tribe, who had moved from Bome and commenced his leading career of the Yanaon tribe on the holy mountain of Kongpo. From the 13th century, Nyingchi was in the sphere of influence of the Karma Kargyu, Tibetan Buddhism. It was the habitation of Monpa people and Lhoba People; it reserves rich traditions of their characteristic habits and customs.

Monasteries in Nyingchi

As a carrier of Buddhist culture, the temples and monasteries have far-reaching influence on the political, economic, educational, living and custom aspects of China. Through the temples and monasteries, we can see the vast history of Tibet, the splendid architecture, the extraordinary artistic achievements and the different traditional education. In the Tibetan area, from the south to the north, from the east to the west, from the city to the village, the temple is indispensable. The following is a list of some representative temples in Nyingchi.

Ethnic Festivals

Various Tibetan festivals are celebrated in different ways in Nyingchi. It is suggested to visit Nyingchi during the festivals and enjoy the lively scenes with the local Tibetan people if time is free. Except for Tibetan New Year Festival, other festivals like Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival, Azalea Tourist Festival are fun and attractive as well. 

The recommended tours including: