On a patch of grassy land between the temple and the cliff an animal jamboree gets underway.

Himalayan monals appear first. On the top of each male's head is a crest of long bluish-green feathers, textured like velvet. Its multi-colored plumage has a shifting, rainbow-like sheen. These are stunningly beautiful birds.

In this unforgiving environment of frigid temperatures and harsh sunlight one particularly hardy species does thrive. These herbivores range in herds across the deserted valleys. Unique to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, they are Tibetan wild asses. Of all wild asses, the Tibetan wild ass is the largest. But their size doesn't impair their agility.

Red gorals are first-rate rock climbers. Mostly, they live on steep slopes in deep valleys that are inaccessible to humans. Due to their small population and limited living space the species wasn't identified and named until 60 years ago.

Living hidden among the mountains, these shy creatures are rarely seen by humans. But in a brief space of time they have, one after another, strutted like models on a runway. It's as if this ordinary-looking patch of grass possesses some magical power. Yet, among the local human inhabitants this apparently remarkable event hardly raises an eyebrow. The Tibetans who are native to this area are attuned to nature, and are always respectful in their interactions with it.

Watch the episode of the Unexplored Land series: Unexplored Land Ep. 4: The harmony in competition

The harmony in competition

About 'Journeys in Nature': Unexplored Land

"Unexplored Land" travels from the Qinling Mountains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province to southwest China's Yunnan Province, from the Changbai Mountains in northeast China to Jiangsu Province in east China. The stories offer an insight into the life of many unique species in China. A huge quantity of priceless footage was obtained through many hours of patient waiting and tracking in the field. Stay tuned!

(All images by CGTN filming crew)

(If you have specific expertise and want to contribute, or if you have a topic of interest that you'd like to share with us, please email us at nature@cgtn.com.)