Editor's note: Traveling offers the chance to witness stunning landscapes and experience wonderful cultures. CGTN is bringing you a collection of travel guides to some of the greatest destinations along China's expressways, with the hope of inspiring you to hit the road and explore the charm of the country by car.

Before this year, Ganzi in southwest China's Sichuan Province was, for many people, a little known place. But almost overnight, the prefecture found nationwide fame after one of its residents became an internet sensation.

Tenzin, a 20-year-old shepherd, accidentally came under the spotlight last November, grabbing hearts and news headlines thanks to his "honest eyes and pure smile," as local media outlets have reported. Since his footage went viral, the young Tibetan took on the mammoth task of promoting his hometown, Litang County, and drawing both attention and tourists to this Tibetan corner of Sichuan.

History

Ganzi has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is thought to be the birthplace of King Gesar, a Tibetan hero who was born around 1038 AD and died around 1119 AD.

Legend has it, King Gesar conquered countless demons, eliminated violence and unified more than 150 tribes, large and small, throughout his life. Despite the myths, historical relics from the time of King Gesar have been found in Ganzi, including the famous Labuleng Temple.

Culture

The Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is the second largest ethnic Tibetan habitation in China and the beating heart of the ​​Khampa culture, named after the Tibetan subregion of Kham.

Khampa people are known for their bravery, enthusiasm, loyalty and faith and their culture has been influenced by various minority groups from nearby areas, including Bai, Yi and Naxi.

Transportation

Ganzi can be accessed by more than just one way. A plane is one option, but to truly absorb the natural beauty and cultural richness, a road trip is your best bet. At the end of 2019, the mileage of roads to Ganzi reached 34,263 kilometers.

Starting from Ya'an in Sichuan, along the Ya'an-Yecheng Expressway, it takes only two hours to reach Kangding City, capital of the autonomous prefecture.

Destination

Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is described by many as one of the last remaining pristine lands on earth. The golden-roofed Chonggu Monastery is set against the backdrop of snowy mountains and vividly blue sky.

One of the earliest international mentions of this paradise was by American explorer Joseph F. Rock, who presented the stunning beauty of Yading in the National Geographic magazine in 1931.

Food

Whether braised, steamed or dried into jerky, yak meat is a must-have for visitors. The bovines live at an average altitude of 3,500 meters, roaming the plains and eating wild plants, which impart a special flavor to their meat.