Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon weaves for 500 kilometers across the region. It's one of the Earth's longest and deepest canyons, plunging 6,000 meters at its most extreme drop. [Photo provided by Erik Nilsson/China Daily]

The prairies serve as arenas for traditional festivals featuring horseback archery and strongman contests, especially in August and September.

Visitors to Nyingchi can also explore folk customs at the Experience Hall of Ethnic Cultural Heritage. They can learn about the legacies of such traditional arts as thangka paintings, lanterns and pest-resistant paper that can last well over a century with minimal aging. They can also witness the production of local incense crafted from over 30 medicinal ingredients harvested from the plateau. The joss smoke is believed to alleviate anxiety, deepen sleep and repel bugs.