( Ⅰ ) Geological and topographic tourism resources
- Mountain landscape
- Karst feature landscape
- Clay forest landscape
- Glacier landscape
( Ⅱ )Water tourism resource
- River scenery
- Lakes scenery
- Springs scenery
- Waterfalls scenery
( Ⅲ )Meteorology and climate tourism resources
(Ⅳ)Animal and plant tourism resources
- Plant tourism resources
- Animal tourism resources
( Ⅴ )Nature reserves
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Tibet is called the “Sea of Mountain”. In the north, the kunlun Mountains and its branch-the Danggula Mountains, run for thousands of kilometers; in the south lies the world’s youngest but highest mountain-the Himalayas. The Karakorum Mountains guards the west and the Hengduan Mountain with vertical cliffs and deep valleys surges on the east. Within the boundary of these huge mountains, the mountain chain of Gandise-Nyainqentanglha and their branches stretch from east to west. The forest of snow-capped mountains forms quite a breath-taking view on the plateau.
The Himalayas, geologically speaking the world’s youngest but highest mountain range, winds for some 2,400 kilometres in breadth from north to south. The average elevation of its main peaks is above 6,200metres. The elongated range boasts 50-plus peaks taller than 7,000 metres above sea level. This intense concentration of giant mountain peaks is rarely found anywhere else in the world. The Gandise and Nyainqentanglha mountains mark the division of Tibet’s northern and southern parts. They also separate the rivers that are inland or flowing into the sea.
The Kunlun Mountain stands along the division line between Tibet and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Stretching across central Asia at a dazzling height and extensive length, the Kunlun Mountains is seen as the “Backbone of Asia”. This region sees the highest concentration of permanent snow and modern glaciers in China.
The Danggula Mountain stands between Tibet and Qinghai Province. Its highest peak Geladaindong is 6,621 metres above sea level. Here lies the fountain-head of the Yangtze River, the longest river of China.
Due to the differences of elevation, geological structure and location, the mountains of Tibet have taken on various views with high tourism values. While all the mountains are silvery in winter, they put on colorful dresses in summer. The mountains in eastern Tibet wear dark green, those in the north have a yellowish stone,while the mountains in the Shannan Region and around Lhasa are dark purple. Crimson is the colour for mountains near Xigaze,while dark brown reigns in Yi’ong.
Most of the famous mountains in other parts of China are dotted with architectures that display carving, calligraphy, painting and horticulture. But the mountains in Tibet have kept their natural face.
Mount Qomolangma
At an elevation of 8,848.13 metres, Mount Qomolangma is the main peak of the Himalayas. This world’s number One peak rises high on the border of China and Nepal. It’s northern slope lies in the Tingri County of Tibet. Commanding reverence from fellow giant peaks nearby, Mount Qomolangma is shape just like a majestic pyramid propping up the sky for the Earth. Surrounding Mount Qomolangma, five of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres stand guard within a sphere of 200 aquare kilometers. They are escorted by another 38 peaks above 7,000 metres of sea elevation. Together they from one of the world’s most grandiose landscapes.
Analyses of geological structure indicate that in the Mesozoic Era about 230 million to 70 million years ago, the region where Mount Qomolangma stands now was part of the ancient Mediterraneans Sea. Beginning from the late Tertiary Period of the Cenozonic Era, the region gradually rose. Chinese scientists have concluded that Mount Qomolangma is still rising at a speed of 3.2 to 12.7 millimetres per year.
At the top of Mount Qomolangma, there always hangs a wisp of cloud. It flies eastward in the fast western wind just like a flapping flag. This is the unique phenomenon of the area-the “Cloud Flag of Mount Qomolangma.” At time, the cloud will change from surging waves into a thin cooking smoke, or from galloping steeds into the mysterious veil of a goddess. Gazing at Mount Qomolangma,one will immerse in a solemn ethereal mood.
In recent years, mountain climbers and explorers have focuses on Mount Qomolangma. It has become many brave people’s dreams to demonstrate their courage and skills by climbing onto this world’s highest peak. The weather of the region changes rapidly and it is very difficult to predict. In general, the weather is relatively mild and steady with less rain of snow from early March to late May, and again so form early September to late October. These are the two best seasons for tourists and mountain climbers.
Belonging to the Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism,Rongbo Monastery is the world’s highest religious architecture. This monastery is unanimously seen as the best place to admire Mount Aomolangma. Sitting at the foot of the mountain’s northern slope, the monastery is located at the tail of the Rongbo Glacier with a sea elevation of 5,600 metres. The monastery has become the base camp for expedition teams on the northern slope of Mount Qomolangma. With many rooms for tourists, climbers and explorers, the monastery is also the world’s highest hotel.
Kangrinboqe Peak
As the main peak of the Gandise Mountains Kangrinboqe is the most famous holly mountain in Asian history. With four distinct sides, the gigantic pyramid has a round cap covered in eternal snow and ice. Standing far above surrounding mountains, Kangrinboqe is just like a majestic ruler of Nature.
At an elevation of 6,656 metres above sea level,snow-capped Kangrinboqe gives life to four grand rivers:Shiquan River(or Sengge Zangbo,meaning “Lion Fountain,” known as Indus River in the lower reaches)Maquan River(or Danqog Zangbo,meaning “Horse Fountain,” the origin of the Yarlung Zangbo River),Xiangquan River (or Langqen Zangbo,meaning “Elephant Fountain,” known as Sutlej in the lower reaches),and Kongqu River (meaning “Peacock Fountain,” the origin of the Ganges River). The four rivers gained their names from the geological features of their origins.
Kangrinboqe Peak gained the status of holy mountain well over 2,000 years ago. It still commands great reverence from Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon religion and Jainism. Hindus believe this mountain is the adode of the Mahabrahman; sutras of Jainism say that Lhexa Bahal, the world’s first one to be relieved of earthly affairs, lives on this peak; Tibetan Buddhism believes that this mountain symbolizes the Bde-mchog-rdo-rje and the Rdo-rje-phag-mo;and the Bon religion reveres it as a sacred holy mountain at the center of the world and the residence of all gods. Circulating the mountain is the way most pilgrim show their utmost respect to the mountain. But the route and way of circulation differ according to different religions. Every year, pilgrims form India, Nepal, Bhutan and the Chinese regions where the Tibetan people live will forma continuous line around the mountain. The number of pilgrims will reach the highest in the Year of Horse on the Tibetan canlendar.
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