Kangding, a world’s famous historic and cultural city, is the economic, political and culturela center of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Region in Sichuan. Kangding is located on the west edge of Sichuan Basin Area. It is situation in the key point of Sichuan-Tibet high express. It is the tie to connect the Han ethnic area of the Tibetan area, possessing the important position in politics and economy.
It is a city populated by significant proportions of both Tibetans and Han, and is part of the historical Tibetan region of Kham. A raging river splits the city, thus the constant sound of water emanates throughout much of the city. The city features a sizable city square where young and old alike gather in the early hours of the morning to do Tai Chi, play badminton, or socialise. This square comes alive on the weekends as well, when families tend to populate it. Traditional Tibetan and Sichuanese restaurants are easily found throughout the city. A Tibetan Buddhist monastery sits on the mountains overlooking the city, and is accessible by cable car. As of October 2006, a stone amphitheatre is under construction at the upper monastery.
Climate
You might find Kangding a little chillier than many other places in China. The climate is best described as monsoonal, bringing heavy rains in the months from June to early September. Monthly daily average temperatures range from −2.2 °C (28.0 °F) in January to 15.5 °C (59.9 °F) in July; the annual mean is 7.09 °C (44.8 °F). Over the course of the year, there are 177 frost-free days and 1738 hours of sunshine.
What to see in Kangding (from Wikitravel)
• Anjue Temple (Anjuesi), (Behind the Black Tent Hotel). A small, central temple.
• Jinggang Temple (Jinggangsi), (A short taxi ride or twenty minute uphill walk from the centre). Temple with an adjacent shop that sells prayer flags and other Buddhist goods. At lunch time it is also possible to ask if you may eat in the temple kitchen, for a small fee.
• Namo Temple (Namosi), (A short taxi ride or twenty minute uphill walk from the centre).
• Paoma Mountain (Paomashan), (Cable car from Jinggang Temple or you can walk up in thirty minutes). This is the mountain under which the city lies, famous for being referenced to a popular love song and horse races in the past. Guide books have cautioned about incidents of muggings in the past, so going in groups may be advisable.
• Mosque, (City centre). Entry inside may be limited.
• Roman Catholic Church, (City centre). Entry inside may be limited.
• Old Town Spring, (City centre). English signboards that give an interesting background to the history of the spring and horse races on Paoma Shan/Mountain.
• Town Square. From 7PM most evenings. Witness droves of locals dance to traditional music at the town square. They all mimic one leader through the steps, can you spot who she is?
• Yak Bridge, (Near the end of the middle of town going towards the bus station at the local farmer’s market). (During Spring Festival) Serves as a marketplace for all things yak. Culturally relevant to the local Tibetans, it is a one of a kind site to see. Warning, not for traveler with a weak stomach!