Pulan "International Market"

　　The external economic and trade activities of Ngari mainly concentrate at the Tangga International Market in Pulan County. Pulan is situated in the southern part of Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, covering an area of 15,600 square kilometers. It borders India and Nepal, with a 414-kilometer-long border and 21 natural mountain passes, making it the southwestern gateway to Tibet. Pulan County consists of two towns—old and new—about 2 kilometers apart. The Peacock River, one of the four major rivers of Ngari, meanders like a jade ribbon alongside the county town. At an altitude of 3,900 meters, the county seat is the lowest in elevation across the whole county. Due to its unique geographical location, border trade has a long history here. Since ancient times, Pulan has been an important trade corridor for Tibet. Every summer and winter, merchants from India, Nepal, and other regions stay in the Pulan "International Market" to conduct business, adding an "international" flavor to the area.

　　There are two suspension bridges leading to the Tangga Market. Near the old town’s bridgehead area, a spontaneous market has formed, known as the "Bridgehead Market," where mainly mainland vendors and a small number of Nepalese border residents trade. The Tangga Market primarily serves Indian, Nepalese merchants, and a very small number of local Tibetan traders. One market is on the east bank of the river, and the other on the west bank, about 3 kilometers apart, forming a commercial layout where domestic and international markets are relatively independent yet interconnected. Historical records indicate that Pulan County has had a tradition of unofficial border trade for 500 years. By the late 1950s, the Chinese government officially approved the establishment of the "International Market," which then became a significant foreign trade port for the Tibet Autonomous Region.

　　The Tangga International Market is located on the slopes of a hill called Dalaqia Mountain, northwest of the Peacock River. At the foot of the mountain, there are numerous caves, which are said to have been the dwellings of Indian and Nepalese border residents who came to trade here over the centuries. Because there were more Nepalese border residents, locals humorously call it the "Nepal Building." Nowadays, aside from a few caves still inhabited by border residents, most have been abandoned. Gazing at these soot-stained, sandy caves, one can imagine the bustling scenes of border trade in days gone by.

　　Historical records show that Pulan has had a tradition of unofficial border trade for 500 years. Indian and Nepalese merchants mainly deal in goods such as fabrics, woolen cloth, bed sheets, brown sugar, French perfume, Indian perfume, hair oil, cosmetics, and jewelry. Some Indian and Nepalese traders also exchange brown sugar and general goods for local products like wool. In Pulan, you can see both extremely wealthy Indian and Nepalese pilgrims and destitute Nepalese porters dressed in rags. The brightly dressed Nepalese girls are truly a scenic highlight of Pulan.

　　The famously known Pulan International Market is situated on the south bank of the Peacock River. But don’t expect this “international market” to match the image you might have in mind. On just 20–30 acres of land, there are 60 to 70 peculiar earthen houses—some with walls but no roofs, and a few covered with white canvas brought by renters as makeshift roofing. The traders here include Indians, Nepalese, and others. Goods on offer are mostly everyday items, cosmetics, and decorations commonly used by [omitted], as well as bulk commodities like cashmere. There aren’t many items suitable for Han Chinese, but some still bought things like Nepalese curry powder, saffron, Indian saris, Nepalese matches, and small trinkets.

　　Stepping into the small houses, the interior is dimly lit. Without exception, all are infused with the scent of Indian incense. Women wearing nose rings sit cross-legged on the carpets, their eyes deep black and captivating. French perfumes here are very affordable, and most visitors end up buying a few bottles.

　　Additionally, Pulan produces wooden bowls, all slowly hand-carved, typically priced at around 7–8 yuan each. The international market involves China, India, and Nepal, but in reality, it mainly trades in everyday household items—arguably the most inaccurately named "international" market.