Editor's Note: CGTN is embarking on a 20-day journey to Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province for the production of Music Voyage, a cultural documentary that traces the roots of music on the Tibetan Plateau while exploring beautiful landscapes and diverse ethnic culture. This series previews six destinations that are not to be missed along the journey.
The first episode introduces Kangding, capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province, a city known by a Chinese folk song "Love Song of Kangding," or "Kangding Qingge" in Chinese, which has been performed by many artists.
Kangding used to be an important hub for tea trade between the province and the neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region along what is known as the Ancient Tea Horse Road, a route for trading goods in southwestern part of the country. With around 70 percent of the population being Tibetan ethnic, Kangding is seen as a gateway to the "roof of the world."
An aerial view of Kangding in Ganzi Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /CFP
Soaring up to 7,556 meters, Gongga Mountain, also known as Minya Konka, is the highest mountain in Sichuan Province. It's often dubbed as "The King of Sichuan Mountains" and is surrounded by 45 mountains that are about 6,000 meters above sea level, making it a hot spot for mountaineers.
In addition to snow mountains, the scenic area of Mugecuo offers visitors a close encounter with nature as it has alpine lakes, waterfalls, dense forests, hot springs and grasslands all in the same place.
Gongga Mountain, also known as Minya Konka, is the highest mountain in Sichuan Province, southwest China. /CFP
Mugecuo Scenic Area in Kangding boasts beautiful lake views, Ganzi Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /CFP
Xinduqiao Town in Kangding is a popular spot for photos, Ganzi Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /CFP
Across the Tagong Grassland sits the golden-roofed monastery of Tibetan Buddhism at an altitude of 3,700 meters. Tagong, or Lhagang, meaning the "favorite place of Bodhisattva" in local language, gives insight into the local Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Tagong Monastery is located about 110 kilometers from the city of Kangding, Ganzi Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /CFP
Don't miss the local specialty of bean jelly, or liangfen in Chinese, during your stay in Kangding. With chili oil, sesame oil and chopped green onions, it tastes quite numbing, spicy and tender. Mutton soup and a type of flatbread named guokui are also worth trying.
Read more: CGTN's cultural documentary 'Music Voyage' launches in Chengdu
(Cover image by Feng Yuan)