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.

Culture

Nyingchi is a prefecture tucked in the eastern corner of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Home to Tibetans and several other ethnic minorities, the area is dubbed the "Switzerland of the East" due to its picturesque snow scenery in winter and "Jiangnan of Tibet" in spring because of its lush greenery.

Nyingchi's average altitude is about 3,100 meters, lower than most of Tibet. The advantageous geography has endowed the area with abundant natural resources that other Tibetan destinations like Lhasa, Shigatse and Shannan don't have due to their high elevation.

Every year from March to April, the peach blossom festival, the symbol of Nyingchi, heralds the arrival of spring. The festival was first held in 2002 and has since been an annual fixture tapping into the area's natural beauty to spur local tourism.

The festival promises a full package of al fresco fun with cultural experiences. It features tours around wild peach groves, as well as ethnic performances and fireworks displays.

Tourist attractions

Unlike other sole plateau views in Tibet, Nyingchi Prefecture offers an appealing, pleasant and colorful landscape. The tourist attractions in Nyingchi are mainly natural marvels. Many places in Nyingchi are reputed as "The Switzerland of Tibet," including the world's deepest canyon – Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon, the holy Mount Namcha Barwa and the breathtaking Midui Glacier.

Food

Due to the special location and climate, barley is more suitable than other grains to grow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Tibetan people usually use barley powder to make food. Tsampa, also known as Zanba or Tsamba, one of the traditional staple foods of Tibet, is also common in Nyingchi Prefecture. The Nyingchi people prefer to make barley powder into noodles, which is another authentic Tibetan food.

Transportation

Because of the unique landscapes, Nyingchi can be reached only by air and road. The Nyingchi Mainling Airport is the third airport put into operation in Tibet, which is about 40 kilometers away from Nyingchi's Bayi District.

Travelers could also visit Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, sightsee for a few days and then head to Nyingchi by car. The drive from Lhasa is about 400 kilometers along the National Road 318 to Bayi District in Nyingchi.