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.

After a five-hour drive from Kangding, capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, the road trip along the National Highway 318 takes you to Litang, once a far-flung county that has truly become internet-famous since late 2020. 

As a short video of a 20-year-old local Tibetan herder Tenzin, or Ding Zhen in Mandarin, went viral in China, his hometown soon attracted tons of interest among Chinese netizens, becoming the next popular tourist destination marked on the list.

Both the county's altitude and natural scenery would often leave visitors breathless. With an elevation of 4,000 meters, it is one of the highest places in the world. That's why it's also been dubbed the "sky county."

The snow-clad Mount Genik is among the 24 sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism in China. Its main peak soars to a towering height of 6,200 meters above sea level and the mountainside is dotted with forests, lakes and grasslands.

Maoya Prairie is hailed as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in the country. The endless grassland against the backdrop of snow mountains makes a perfect picture-worthy spot. It also boasts distinctive scenery throughout the year.

When summer comes, the annual horse racing festival, usually held in August, adds fun and excitement to your stay in the county as Tibetan nomads gather and display their skills of horsemanship. 

Also, have a sip of local butter tea or Tibetan highland barley wine, also called "Qiang" in the local language, for a taste of the Tibetan Plateau. 

(Cover image by Feng Yuan)