Xiahe

Xiahe is a county in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province, the People's Republic of China. The name, which literally means, "Xia River" refers to the Daxia River which runs alongside the town. The town was named Xiahe in 1928.

 

Xiahe is home to the famed Labrang Tibetan Buddhist monastery, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The town is populated largely by ethnic Tibetans. It is reflection of the different minorities that can be found in China, such as Tibetans (about 70% of the population), Hui Chinese (20%) and Han Chinese (10%).

 

Xiahe is in the southern portion of Gansu province, along the western border with Qinghai province. It lies along the Daxia and Zhao rivers. It is on the northeast edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The average elevation is 2900 - 3100m with the highest being 4636m and lowest 2160m.

 

Although the region of Xiahe is mostly rural and pastoral (including yak and other animal rearing), tourism is growing rapidly mainly due to the Labrang Monastery and the Monlan Festival. From 4 to 17 January and 26 June to 15 July (these dates may change according to the lunar calendar), the Monlan Festival will be held with Buddha-unfolding, sutra enchanting, praying, sutra debates, etc. It is the best time to visit Xiahe.