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Xiahe County
Located in the southwest of Gansu Province and the northwestern part of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Xiahe County is an important cultural and religious destination on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. With its unique geographical location, Xiahe has historically served as a political, economic, cultural, and religious center connecting Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces.
Xiahe County lies at approximately 102°31′E longitude and 35°12′N latitude, covering an area of 6,273.88 square kilometers. The county consists of one township and 14 towns, featuring vast grasslands, highland landscapes, and a rich multicultural heritage.
A Multicultural Tibetan County in Gansu
Xiahe County is home to 14 ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Han Chinese, Hui, Salar, Dongxiang, Mongolian, and Korean communities. With a total population of approximately 77,800, Tibetans account for around 78% of the county’s population.
The long coexistence of different ethnic groups has created a unique cultural atmosphere where traditional Tibetan customs, religious practices, and local lifestyles blend together. Visitors to Xiahe can experience authentic Tibetan culture, traditional architecture, colorful festivals, and the spiritual atmosphere of the Tibetan Plateau.
Labrang Monastery: The “Oriental Vatican” of Tibetan Buddhism
The most famous attraction in Xiahe County is Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism (Yellow Hat Sect).
Founded in 1709, Labrang Monastery has developed into one of the most influential centers of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. Because of its important religious status, magnificent architecture, and large community of monks, it is often referred to as the “Oriental Vatican.”
The monastery is renowned for preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions, scriptures, rituals, and cultural heritage. It once attracted thousands of monks from different regions for Buddhist studies and remains an important destination for pilgrims and travelers interested in Tibetan Buddhism.
Visitors can explore the monastery’s grand prayer halls, ancient Buddhist scriptures, colorful murals, Buddhist statues, and the world’s longest prayer wheel corridor, where pilgrims walk clockwise while chanting prayers.
Discover the Spiritual Heart of Gannan
Beyond Labrang Monastery, Xiahe County offers stunning natural landscapes and opportunities to experience the traditional lifestyle of Tibetan communities. The surrounding grasslands, mountains, and valleys provide excellent scenery for photography, hiking, and cultural exploration.
As one of the most important destinations in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Xiahe combines natural beauty with profound religious heritage, making it an ideal stop for travelers exploring northwest China.
For visitors seeking an authentic Tibetan experience without traveling deep into Tibet, Xiahe County and Labrang Monastery offer a remarkable journey into Tibetan Buddhist culture, history, and plateau landscapes.
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