Explore Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha in one day, and enjoy a traditional Xiba tofu banquet and discover Sichuan’s famous creature and Buddhist heritage.......
Litang County Travel Guide
Litang County is located in the Garze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, southwest China. Situated along the famous National Highway 318 Sichuan-Tibet Route, Litang is approximately 285 kilometers from Kangding and 654 kilometers from Chengdu. With its spectacular plateau scenery, rich Tibetan traditions, and unique cultural heritage, Litang has become one of the most fascinating destinations for travelers exploring western Sichuan and the Tibetan region.
The county is home to nine ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Han Chinese, Mongolians, Hui people, Naxi, Tujia, Yi, Miao, and Qiang communities, creating a diverse cultural landscape.
The name “Litang” comes from the Tibetan language and means “a grassland as smooth and flat as a bronze mirror.” The name reflects the beauty of the vast Maoya Grassland, which stretches across the high plateau. Located at an average altitude of around 4,014 meters above sea level, Litang is known as the “High City of the World.”
This magnificent high-altitude destination offers breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, endless grasslands, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and historic Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. For visitors seeking an authentic Sichuan Tibet travel experience, Litang provides an unforgettable combination of natural beauty and Tibetan culture.
Genie Sacred Mountain – A Sacred Peak in Kham Tibet
Located in the southwest of Litang County, Genie Sacred Mountain (Genie Mountain) reaches an altitude of 6,204 meters. It is the highest peak in southern Kham and the second-highest mountain in Sichuan Province.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Genie Mountain is regarded as one of the 24 sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism in China, representing the 13th goddess among these holy peaks. Surrounded by glaciers, alpine valleys, forests, and grasslands, Genie Sacred Mountain is a dream destination for hikers, photographers, and travelers looking for untouched natural landscapes in western Sichuan.
Litang International Horse Racing Festival – A Celebration of Tibetan Culture
The Litang International Horse Racing Festival is one of the most famous traditional Tibetan festivals in Sichuan and has a long history. Every year from August 1st to 7th, Litang County welcomes Tibetan people from surrounding villages who gather on the grasslands with their horses, families, and traditional tents.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy exciting displays of traditional Tibetan equestrian skills, including horse racing, horseback archery, picking up Hada from horseback, and challenging riding performances such as racing while hanging beside the horse.
More than a horse-riding competition, the festival is a grand celebration of Tibetan culture and summer life on the plateau. Visitors can experience colorful Tibetan clothing, traditional handicrafts, local food, folk performances, and cultural exchanges, making it one of the best opportunities to experience authentic Tibetan traditions.
Litang Monastery – A Historic Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Kham
Litang Monastery, officially known as Changqingchunkeer Temple, was founded in 1580 by the Third Dalai Lama. It is one of the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Kham region.
The name “Changqing” refers to Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), while “Chunkeer” means Falun (Wheel of Dharma) in Tibetan Buddhism.
Covering an area of more than 500 acres, Litang Monastery once accommodated over 4,300 monks, with approximately 800 permanent residents. As the largest Gelug Sect (Yellow Hat Sect) monastery in the Kham region, it is known as the “Buddhist Holy Land of Southern Kham.”
The monastery houses many valuable cultural treasures, including gilded bronze statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, ancient Buddhist scriptures, and Ming and Qing Dynasty murals. The Butter Sculpture Flower Festival, held on the 15th day of the Tibetan calendar, is one of the most distinctive religious celebrations in the Kham area.
Maoya Grassland – The Endless Plateau Paradise of Litang
Located in the Hengduan Mountains, Maoya Grassland is one of the most beautiful alpine grasslands in western Sichuan. With an elevation ranging from 3,800 to 4,500 meters, the grassland covers an area of more than 300 square kilometers.
The vast prairie features rolling hills, colorful wildflowers, grazing Tibetan livestock, and clear crescent-shaped freshwater lakes scattered throughout the landscape. A striking white pagoda stands proudly on the grassland, which is believed to be one of the three pagodas built by Princess Wencheng during her journey to Tibet.
With its peaceful scenery, Tibetan traditions, and spectacular plateau views, Maoya Grassland is an ideal destination for travelers seeking nature, photography, and authentic cultural experiences.
Why Visit Litang County?
Litang County is a unique destination where Tibetan culture, sacred mountains, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking plateau landscapes come together. Whether exploring the legendary Genie Sacred Mountain, experiencing the vibrant Litang Horse Racing Festival, visiting historic Litang Monastery, or enjoying the endless beauty of Maoya Grassland, travelers will discover the authentic spirit of the Tibetan Plateau.
For those planning a Sichuan Tibet tour, western Sichuan adventure, or Tibetan cultural journey, Litang is a remarkable destination that should not be missed.
Weather Information of Litang
Note: From January to December, red line is the highest Centigrade in average, blue line is the lowest climate in average
Recommended Litang Tours package:
1. 6 Days Daocheng Yading Tours in West Sichuan
2. 10 Days Jiuzhaigou, Danba, Yading Tours in East Tibetan Plateau
3. 10 Days Danba, Dege, Daocheng Yading Tours in East Tibet
4. The Most Beautiful Sichuan Plateau Tours
5. Seda,Yading and Niubeishan Expedition in Amazing East Tibet
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