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10 Tibetan towns you can't miss!
1. Maduo - The source of the Yellow River
Maduo, which means "the source of the Yellow River" in Tibetan, is the first stop into Tibet from inland China. It's located in Qinghai Province about 500 kilometers to the southwest of Xining, the provincial capital.
Although it has a small population and has a severe climate, many people come to Maduo to trace the source of the river, which is regarded as the cradle of Chinese culture.
Maduo has more than 4,000 lakes. Zhaling Lake and Eling Lake are the most famous. Between the two lakes, an Ox Head tablet marks the origin of the Yellow River. The crystal-clear lakes attract thousands of migrant birds in winter and spring.
2. Zetang - Cradle of the Tibetans
Zetang, a town about 200 km southeast of Lhasa, is the birthplace of the Tibetans. Legend says a sacred monkey married the daughter of a demon. The girl then gave birth to six monkeys whose offspring were human beings - today's Tibetans.
Zetang is a feast for visitors' eyes - be it the monkey caves with stamped characters or the first field and the first house of the Tibetans. Located in the north of Zetang, god bestowed the field for crop cultivating. The house, in Nedong County near Zetang, was built for the first ruler of Tubo Kingdom. Along with its mysticism, Tibet's butter tea and delicious highland barley wine surely will impress.
3. Danba - Charming 'Beauty Valley'
Danba, about 370 km away from Chengdu, is the cultural center of the Jiarong region. Situated in the east gate of Garze, Sichuan Province, Danba is hidden among western Sichuan's mountains and valleys. Danba's nickname, "Beauty Valley," is a tribute to the splendid landscapes and the culture. Of course, in Danba, the girls are very pretty, and every year they hold the Beauty Festival.
Danba also has a culture of stone cave architecture and is famous for its stone rooms. Its mysterious Feng shui theory combined with the rich religious culture makes the place close to perfect.
4. Ma-ni-kan-ko - 'Cowboy Town of China'
Ma-ni-kan-ko is a transfer station in the northern line of the Sichuan-Tibet highway. In ancient times, it was an important hub leading to Yunnan, Qinghai and Sichuan, a commercial area and a center for Tea-horse Ancient Road.
With its preserved environment, Yilhun Lhatso (Xinluhai Lake), a lake 10 km away from Ma-ni-kan-ko, is a fairyland on earth. Meadows and spruce, fir and cypress trees surround the lake. Marnyi stones engraved with Buddhist sutra can be seen everywhere from the lake's shore. Flocks of mallard fly overhead while schools of fishes swim in the lake. A snow-capped mountain standing against a blue sky and the lake sparkling in the sunlight creates an awe-inspiring landscape.
The main residents there are Tibetans, and their nomadic life makes them strong. Like western cowboys, many have dark skin, long hair and black boots.
5. Mainling - Fairyland on earth
Xiangbala, known as the fairyland for the immortals, sits in the Tibetan county of Mainling and is free from the disturbance of industrialization. It sits in the arms of forests, rivers and the snow mountains.
Mainling boasts many natural phenomenons. The Yaluzangbu Grand Canyon is the largest canyon in the world. The mist-crowned Namcha Barwa Peak is the world's 15th highest. Water flows backward at the confluence of Yaluzangbu and Niyang. Also, Mainling has the Gega natural hot spring and the well-preserved primitive forest of Nayi Zhagong Valley.
Mainling is home to more than 720 kinds of seed plants, including pine trees, ferns and azaleas. Additionally waterfalls and glaciers dot the Mainling landscape.
6. Zayul - Water Town in Tibet
After arriving at Ranwu, visitors can sightsee and have a pleasant stay in Zayul, 
which has a nice climate and attractive landscape.
which has a nice climate and attractive landscape.
Zayul, situated in the southeast part of Tibet Plateau, sits between the Himalaya Mountains and Hengduan mountain range. Zayul's numerous lakes and abundant rain have earned it the nickname "Water Town." Due to its special physical features, many varieties of fruits and vegetables grow here. The weather makes it suitable for tea to be grown, too. In fact, this is the land that first produced Tibet tea.
7. Bome - The 'Tibetan Switzerland'
Sitting along the south line of the Tibet-Sichuan Highway, Bome's breathtaking scenery comes from the mountains and lakes. The county of Bome, which is situated in southeast Tibet, is the home of the Kaqin glacier, the largest marine type glacier in China. 
In May and April, Bome has large areas of peach blossoms and highland barley that enhance the area's beauty.
In May and April, Bome has large areas of peach blossoms and highland barley that enhance the area's beauty.
Bome's Ranwu Lake is called "the Tibetan Switzerland." The lake is set more than 3,800 meters above sea level and has an area of 22,000 square km. The seasons dictate the water's color, which ranges from aquamarine to turquoise. When the sun rises, the lake looks like a mirror reflecting snow-capped mountains, white clouds and the surrounding forest.
8. Zham - Hillside town
Zham has a humid, subtropical climate and sits on the Tibet-Nepal border at an altitude of 2,300 meters. 
The climate combined with a drop in elevation from other areas of Tibet mean melting snow from the Himalayas create waterfalls along the roads that wind through this hilly region.
The climate combined with a drop in elevation from other areas of Tibet mean melting snow from the Himalayas create waterfalls along the roads that wind through this hilly region.
The architecture in Zham mainly consists of two- or three-story houses, many of which have small gardens and prayer flags which add color to the town. Zham isn't only a place of beauty. It's a place of business. It is a gateway to Nepal and has commercial appeal. The local marketplace is always crowded with businessmen and tourists.
9. 
Gyirong - Happiness Town
Gyirong - Happiness Town
Meaning "Happiness Town" in Tibetan, Gyirong received its nickname in the eighth century by a visitor from India. Located in the border area of China and Nepal, it has a mild climate which allows green vegetation to grow. Besides the weather, the abundant culture heritage and natural beauty, such as Mt. Yangrankangri and Mt. Langbokangri, make this place worth visiting. Gyirong also has conserved many famous temples, such as the Paba Temple and the Chagadasuo Temple.
10. Yadong - Small frontier town
Yadong is located in the southern side of the middle part of the Himalayas and near the borders of Sikkim and Bhutan. 
The area covers more than 4,000 square kilometers and is 3,000 meters above sea level. Despite its high altitude, its name means "deep valley with rushing water" in Tibetan.
The area covers more than 4,000 square kilometers and is 3,000 meters above sea level. Despite its high altitude, its name means "deep valley with rushing water" in Tibetan.
In addition to its lush greens, Yadong has many famous local specialties, such as Yadong fish and barley wine. The main tourist sites of Yadong are Donggar Monastery, Garju Monastery and Kangbu Hotspring.
Yadong is also a major trade port between China and India.
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