Nyingchi Prefecture in Tibet is located in the southeastern part of the region, along the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. With moderate altitude and pleasant climate, it has long been known as the “Jiangnan (Land of Abundance) of Tibet.” About 80 kilometers east of Bayi Town in Nyingchi, along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, lies a picturesque town—Nylam Town. Here, soaring snow-capped mountains rise above the clouds, breathtaking forests stretch as far as the eye can see, colorful wildflower meadows dot the landscape alongside grazing yaks and sheep, and serene, deep-blue lakes stand in solitary splendor—transporting visitors to a world-renowned travel destination like Switzerland. It’s no wonder Nylam has earned the reputation of being the “Eastern Switzerland.”
Rendering of the commercial pedestrian street planning design for Nylam International Tourism Town
According to the planning and design by Professor Chen Keshi, Nylam International Tourism Town will be divided into five functional zones: the South Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, North Zone, and Nylam Town itself. The South Zone will serve as the welcoming foyer for all visitors to the international tourism town; the Central Zone is planned as a semi-open cluster of five-star hotels where guests can “enjoy lake and wetland views up close, gaze upon grazing yaks and blooming peach trees in the middle distance, and take in the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance.” The North Zone will consist of standalone hotels, while the West Zone is designated to provide logistical services for the hotels in the North, Central, and South Zones.
Professor Chen Keshi noted that in both architectural and landscape design, Nylam International Tourism Town will emphasize the use of Tibetan cultural elements and symbols. Through refined and condensed representations of Tibetan culture, the town will cultivate a sacred atmosphere. At the same time, the project will focus on leveraging new technologies, materials, and methods to enhance the town’s urban development standards, optimize its functionality, and provide visitors with a high-quality, one-of-a-kind “spiritual space,” as well as offer residents a livable and comfortable home.