Tibet, a magical and dreamlike place, boasts majestic and breathtaking mountain ranges, vast stretches of grasslands and forests, and a unique and profound ethnic culture. As an important global tourism destination, Tibet attracts countless domestic and international tourists every year.
Nowadays, visitors to Tibet are not only drawn by its stunning landscapes but also eager to learn about its local customs and traditional culture.
So why not come celebrate a festival in Tibet in 2017!
Holy Lhasa, a journey for the soul. To understand Lhasa’s local flavor, the Shoton Festival is an absolute must-see. In the early hours of the morning, join the surging crowds heading up the mountainside to witness the annual Buddha Thangka Unfolding Ceremony, the most grandiose event of the Shoton Festival. Then enjoy a bowl of rich yak yogurt, stirred with a spoonful of sugar that crackles between your teeth. Head over to Norbulingka to catch a Tibetan opera performance, or join in a “Guozhuang” dance at the Longzhu Park—these everyday activities of Lhasa residents will bring you the purest joy.
(Shoton Festival Buddha Thangka Unfolding)
Majestic Shigatse, a magical journey. The “Mount Everest Cultural Tourism Festival” is a grand event meticulously created by Shigatse. At the foot of Mount Everest, by the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the festival allows visitors to discover Shigatse’s abundant tourism resources and trekking routes, enjoy large-scale performances that blend tradition with modernity, and shop for a variety of souvenirs.
(Mount Everest)
The origin of Tibetan culture in Shannan, a humanistic journey. The “China Tibet Yalong Culture Festival” will take you into Shannan, the origin of Tibetan culture, home to Tibet’s first palace—Yumbulagang, the first monastery—Samye Monastery, and the first farmland—Suodang… Countless historical “firsts” converge in this Yalong River Valley, with famous scenic spots such as Yamdrok Lake adorning its surroundings. Through the platform of the “China Tibet Yalong Culture Festival,” more of Shannan’s natural beauty and cultural features will be unveiled.
(Yamdrok Lake)
Intoxicating Nyingchi, an ecological journey. The Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival has become a renowned event both domestically and internationally. Every March and April, when spring just begins to awaken in Tibet, the peach blossoms in Nyingchi can’t wait to bloom, showing off Tibet’s most romantic and beautiful spring without reservation. Clusters upon clusters are like delicate rouge on a maiden’s cheeks or the colorful hues of the sunset sky. Tour China’s most beautiful spring, enjoy the lively Gongbu dances, and savor a bowl of fragrant and delicious matsutake chicken soup cooked in a stone pot—making your trip truly delightful.
(Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival)
Bold Chamdo, a free-spirited journey. Known as the “Pearl of Eastern Tibet,” Chamdo has created the “Three Rivers Tea-Horse Culture and Art Festival” to further promote the city’s economic, tourism, and cultural development. This city, located along the ancient Tea-Horse Road, is rich in tourism resources. During the “Three Rivers Tea-Horse Culture and Art Festival,” visitors can admire gem-like Ranwu Lake, try their hand at the bold and unrestrained Reba dance, and taste a bowl of authentic Jiajia noodles.
(The passionate and unrestrained Reba dance)
Vast Nagqu, an adventurous journey. To understand Nagqu, the Nagqu Horse Racing Festival is an irreplaceable highlight. Like many nomadic peoples around the world, Tibetans share a deep bond with horses. The horse racing festival features a wide variety of events, including target shooting on horseback and horse racing. During the races, riders dressed in festive attire gallop across the field with spirited horses, leaving behind dashing figures.
(Horse racing)
Mysterious Ngari, a spiritual journey. Among the major tourism and cultural festivals across Tibet, the “Zhangzhung Culture and Tourism Festival” in the Ngari region is one of the newer celebrations. The ancient capital of the Zhangzhung Kingdom lies in the Ngari region along the Shiquan River basin, the birthplace of Zhangzhung culture, which includes indigenous religion, script, and medicine, holding a significant place in Tibetan civilization. The “Zhangzhung Culture and Tourism Festival” will include a series of events such as a tourism photography competition and a tourism culture forum, allowing visitors to experience more of Ngari’s magnificent scenery and local customs.
(Guge Ruins)
If these lively festivals still don’t satisfy you, there are plenty of other celebrations waiting to be experienced, such as the Bathing Festival, the “Fairy Festival,” the Wangguo Festival, and Tibetan New Year. And don’t miss the “China Tibet Tourism and Culture International Expo,” held every year just before National Day—a must-attend event for exploring Tibet. At the “Tibet Expo,” you can not only admire Tibet’s spectacular landscapes and learn about the tourism resources and customs of its seven prefectures and cities, but also explore a dazzling array of tourism businesses and a dedicated Nepalese goods exhibition area.
(Golden sunrise over Namcha Barwa Peak)
A earthly paradise, heavenly Tibet!
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go celebrate a festival in Tibet in 2017!
TIPS: The Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival takes place every March and April. The Lhasa Shoton Festival, the Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, and various city-level cultural tourism festivals are mostly held in August and September. Each festival organizes a rich variety of activities. To participate, stay tuned for timely updates from the organizing committees!
(Tibet Autonomous Region Tourism Development Commission)