Kangding,elevation 2560m (Tibetan:Dardo or Dartsedo),is the capital of Garze autonomous county.It is nestled in steep river valley at the confluence of the Zheduo and Yala Rivers.Once when you are in Kangding,there is a tangibel sense that you have reached the border of the Chinese and Tibetan worlds.For centuries,the town has been a trade centre between the two cultures with the exchange of yak hides,wool,herbs and,particularly,bricks of tea from Ya'an wrapped in yak hide.Kangding,not only served as an important staging post on the road to Lhasa,but also plays a role as the center of transportation, culture , commerce and politics in Garze county.It does indeed as western Sichuan's largest town today.

Sights

There are several minor monasteries in and around Kangding.The Ngachu Monastery(Anjue Si),just behind the Black Tent Guesthouse,is a fairly quiet temple built in 1654.It is home to around 20 monks and a new Jampa Chapel.

In the west of the town,the Nanwu Monastery is the most active monastery in the area and has around 80 lamas in residence.

In the south of the town,the Dorje Drak Monastery(Jingang Si),which was under renovation at last look.

You can head up Paoma Shan for fantastic views of Kangding and,if you're lucky,Mt Minya Konka(7556m).Take particular care when wandering around Paoma Shan and try to avoid hiking on your own.In town,the market on Dong Dajie is worth looking.