Nyingchi

Nyingchi (also Nyingtri or 林芝 Linzhi) is a prefecture level city in southwestern Tibet. Nyingchi is different from the rest of Tibet. It has a humid climate, rich vegetation and many virgin forests. Some people call it the "Switzerland of Tibet".

Cities

• 1 Bayi
• 2 Menling
• 3 Bome
• 4 Medog

Other destinations

• 1 Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon National Park

Understand

Nyingchi is a prefecture-level city in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. At an average altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, it is home to Tibetans and several other ethnic minorities.

Tibetan Culture

• Linzhi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Tibet,” is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture. The area is home to a vibrant Tibetan population, with many people still adhering to traditional ways of life. Visitors can experience Tibetan customs, festivals, and religious practices, especially at monasteries and during Tibetan New Year (Losar). The local cuisine, clothing, and daily rituals are also significant reflections of Tibetan heritage.

Buddhism and Spirituality

Linzhi is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its rich Buddhist heritage. The region is dotted with monasteries, stupas, and temples where visitors can learn about Tibetan Buddhist practices. The region is considered spiritually significant by Tibetan Buddhists, and many sacred mountains and lakes, such as Mount Namcha Barwa and Basu Lake, are believed to hold religious importance.

Historical Significance

Linzhi has a rich history that spans centuries, with evidence of human settlement dating back to ancient Tibetan times. The area was historically important for trade and culture and played a key role in the spread of Buddhism across Tibet. In recent decades, Linzhi has become a hub for both cultural preservation and tourism, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its unique heritage.

The People of Linzhi

The population of Linzhi consists mainly of Tibetans, with a smaller number of Han Chinese and other ethnic groups. The local people are known for their hospitality and strong sense of community. The Tibetan people in Linzhi traditionally practice pastoralism, farming, and crafts, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and respect for nature.

Get in

By plane

• 1 林芝米林机场. (updated Oct 2018)

Nyingchi Mainling Airport is located in Meilin County, 17 km from Mainling and 51 km from Bayi. There are buses to Bayi at the airport exit and train stations to Bayi, Mainling, Lhasa and other areas nearby.

By train

The partially opened Sichuan-Tibet Railway passes through Nang, Mainling and Bayi (it will also pass through Pome in the future), which you can access from Lhasa and Shannan.

By bus

Buses to Nyingchi are available from Lhasa and Qamdo.

Get around

Some of the sights in Nyingchi can be reached by shuttle bus, but it is most convenient to charter a vehicle of your own.

By car

• Description: The most flexible way to explore Linzhi and its surrounding natural wonders is by car. Renting a vehicle allows you to reach remote spots like Basu Lake and Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon at your own pace.
• Cost: ¥300-500 per day (depending on car type and rental agency).
• Best for: Visitors who want flexibility and comfort while traveling to remote locations.

Public Bus

Route	Departure Times	Traver Time	Price	Main Stations
Linzhi - Bomi	07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00	2-3 hours	50	Linzhi Bus Station, Bomi Bus Station
Linzhi - Miling	06:30, 08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30	1-2 hours	30	Linzhi Bus Station, Miling Bus Station
Linzhi - Gongbujiangda	07:30, 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30	3-4 hours	60	Linzhi Bus Station, Gongbujiangda Bus Station
Linzhi - Basu Lake	08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00	2 hours	40	Linzhi Bus Station, Basu Lake Scenic Area
Linzhi - Peach Blossom Valley	09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00	1-2 hours	20	Linzhi Bus Station, Peach Blossom Valley
Linzhi - Namcha Barwa	07:30, 09:30, 11:30, 13:30	3-4 hours	70	Linzhi Bus Station, Namcha Barwa Mountain

• Linzhi has a public bus system that connects major towns and tourist attractions. While less frequent, buses are an affordable option for traveling around the city and nearby areas like Miling Town and Peach Blossom Valley.
• Cost: ¥5-30 per ride, depending on distance.
• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers staying within the city or heading to nearby tourist spots.

Taxi

• Taxis are available in Linzhi and are convenient for short trips within the city or to specific tourist destinations. Taxis can be hired for a full day or just for a one-way trip.
• Cost: ¥20-50 for short trips within the city; ¥100-200 for trips to nearby tourist attractions.
• Best for: Those needing quick, door-to-door transportation for specific needs.

Bicycle

• For those who enjoy cycling, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the scenic beauty of Linzhi, especially during the spring when the peach blossoms are in full bloom. Many local shops offer bike rentals for tourists.
• Cost: ¥30-60 per day.
• Best for: Adventurous travelers looking to experience Linzhi’s natural beauty up close while staying environmentally conscious.

See

Averaging 3,000m above the sea level, Nyingchi Prefecture in the lower reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River is home to Monbas, Lobas and some other ethnic minorities marked for their peculiar habits and customs.

Mount Namjagbarwa and the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon National Park, 496.3 km long and 5382 meters in maximum depth and believed to be the world's largest canyon, are the most interesting of all the tourist sights in the prefecture.

• 1 Yalu Zangbu Grand Canyon. The Yalu Zangbu Grand Canyon is one of the most magnificent Grand Canyons in the world, surrounding the world's 15th highest peak, Nangabawa Peak (7,782 meters above sea level). The Grand Canyon is known for its spectacular geological landscape, primeval forest and rich ecosystem, and is known as "the last secret place on earth". The river in the canyon is winding and the rapids are rushing, forming multiple cliffs, deep valleys and waterfalls, showing the magic of nature. (updated Oct 2018)
• 2 Medog Nature Reserve, Medog County. China's largest nature reserve with the best preserved primitive jungle in its bottom is found in an area of 460,000 hectares that slopes down from north to south on the southern side of the Himalayas in Medog County, southeast Tibet. (updated Dec 2024)
• 3 Pagsum Lake. The sacred lake of Nyingma, with its beautiful scenery, has a temple called Tsozong Gongba Monastery on the island in the heart of the lake. (updated Dec 2024)
• 4 Namjagbarwa Peak. A mountain known as the most beautiful mountain in China. The peak can be viewed from Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon, Sejila Mountain pass and other places. (updated Dec 2024)
• 5 Lulang. There are beautiful alpine forests, grasslands and flowers, giving a sense of Swiss scenery. (updated Dec 2024)

Do

• Horse riding in the grasslands of Lulang
• Boat trips at Pagsum Lake
• Hiking in Nanyi Valley
• 1 Basu Lake (巴松措湖), Basongcuo Lake Scenic Area, Gongbu Jiangda County. 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. A pristine glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. The lake is a popular spot for trekking and photography. Known for its serene beauty and clear waters, it’s a perfect place for nature lovers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. 120. (updated Dec 2024)
• 2 Peach Blossom Valley (桃花谷), Peach Blossom Valley Scenic Area of Tibet Autonomous Region. Best visited during the blooming season, March - April.. Peach Blossom Valley is located in the south of Linzhi. Every spring (usually from March to April), thousands of peach blossoms bloom, attracting tourists to watch. The whole valley is covered with pink peach blossoms, forming a picturesque scenery. Visitors can hike, cycle, or simply immerse themselves in the beauty of nature here. Free. (updated Dec 2024)
• 3 Miling Town (米林镇). Open year-round, best visited from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.. A small town located near Linzhi, rich in Tibetan culture and traditions, featuring traditional Tibetan houses, monasteries, and local markets. A chance to immerse yourself in local culture and explore the peaceful Tibetan countryside. Free. (updated Dec 2024)
• Experience Local Tibetan Culture at a Traditional Village. Open year-round, though festivals and events are held seasonally.. Participate in cultural activities such as traditional Tibetan music, dance, and local festivals. These villages are open for visitors to experience the lifestyle of the Tibetan people. Learn about the customs, language, and traditions that have shaped Tibetan culture for centuries. Free. (updated Dec 2024)

Buy

Matsutake mushroom (松茸), Farmers' market. 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Matsutake is a rare wild fungus that grows in the primeval forest of Tibet and is famous for its rich fragrance and delicate taste. It is a good product on the high-end table, and also has high medicinal value. It is known as the "king of bacteria". Linzhi's matsutake is of particularly superior quality and is deeply loved by consumers at home and abroad. The specialty area in the farmers' market is the best place to buy matsutake, serving a variety of fresh and dried forms. 300-500. (updated Dec 2024)

Tibetan Saffron (藏红花). 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Saffron is a precious medicinal material and spice of Linzhi, which is popular for its unique aroma and bright color. It is widely used to season high-end dishes, make tea drinks, relieve insomnia, improve blood circulation and other effects. Sarcon flowers produced in Tibet are famous for their high purity and excellent quality. Linzhi specialty stores, such as "Tibetan Specialty Store" in the city, provide authentic saffron, which are suitable for tasting or buying as gifts. 50-200. (updated Dec 2024)

Basu Lake Crafts (巴松措手工艺品). 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Basoncuo handicrafts include special jewelry, wood carvings, traditional tapestries and Tibetan costumes. These handicrafts are inspired by the natural scenery and Tibetan cultural elements around Basongcuo Lake, each of which reflects the delicate skills and unique creativity of craftsmen. The small handicraft shop in Basongcuo Scenic Area is usually located near the tourist service center, selling all kinds of exquisite goods with local characteristics. 20-300. (updated Dec 2024)

Eat

The stone pot-cooked chicken in Lulang is the most famous delicacy in Nyingchi.

1 Akutonba Tibetan Restaurant Grilled Tibetan Pork (阿酷顿巴藏家餐厅 烤藏香猪), No. 207, Shuangyong East Road, Bayi Town, Baiyi District. 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Roasted Tibetan pork is a classic Tibetan cuisine. The local unique Tibetan pork is selected. After marinating with secret seasoning, the whole pork is roasted. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, and the flavor is unique. 80-120. (updated Dec 2024)

2 Snowy Tibetan Restaurant Glutinous rice cake (雪域藏餐厅 糌粑), Bayi Town. 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Glutinous rice cake is a traditional staple food of Tibetans. It is made of flour ground after stir-frying green barley. When eaten, it is usually mixed with ghee tea. It has a rich wheat fragrance and unique taste, and is an important source of energy in the plateau area. You can taste it in special Tibetan restaurants in Linzhi. 10-20. (updated Dec 2024)

3 Ghee tea (酥油茶). 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Ghee tea is an indispensable drink in Tibetan daily life. It is made of strong tea, ghee and edible salt. It has a unique salty fragrance, which can effectively resist the cold of the plateau and provide rich energy. It is available in all major Tibetan restaurants. 5-15. (updated Dec 2024)

Stay safe

Altitude Sickness. Linzhi is located at a high altitude, so visitors may experience altitude sickness, especially if coming from lower elevations. Symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. For serious altitude sickness, visit the nearest hospital or medical facility in Linzhi. (updated Dec 2024)

Weather Conditions. Linzhi experiences variable weather, with cool and rainy conditions even in summer. The region is known for sudden weather changes, especially in higher altitudes. Always carry warm clothing, especially if you plan to visit mountainous areas. A raincoat and sturdy footwear are also essential for outdoor activities. (updated Dec 2024)

2 Linzhi People's Hospital (林芝市人民医院), Macao Road, Bayi Town. 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Linzhi People's Hospital is a major comprehensive hospital in Linzhi, providing a wide range of medical services, including internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics and other departments. The hospital is fully equipped with advanced diagnosis and treatment equipment, and is committed to providing high-quality medical services for local residents and tourists. The hospital also provides emergency, inpatient, examination, imaging and other services, and has a professional medical team. (updated Dec 2024)

3 Linzhi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (林芝市中医院). 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Linzhi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital is a hospital focusing on traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment, providing traditional Chinese medicine services including acupuncture, massage, traditional Chinese medicine treatment and so on. The hospital combines modern medicine with traditional Chinese medicine and is committed to providing patients with more comprehensive treatment plans. For some patients with chronic diseases or in need of conditioning, the hospital's traditional Chinese medicine treatment system is very popular. (updated Dec 2024)