Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Garzê is an autonomous prefecture in western Sichuan and encompasses 18 counties spread across mountainous terrain bordering Tibet, Yunnan, and Gansu. The region spans approximately 151,000 square kilometers with Kangding as its administrative center and features diverse elevations and geographic features.

The region was once part of Kham and experienced major territorial changes during the Republic of China period. It became an autonomous prefecture in 1955 within Sichuan province.

Monasteries like Dzogchen, Dzongsar, and Kandze shape daily religious life and serve as places where Tibetans keep their Buddhist tradition alive through study and practice. You can see Buddhism woven into everyday life through prayer flags, pilgrimage routes, and gatherings of believers around these sacred spaces.

Travel through the region requires preparation for significant elevation changes, which result in varying weather conditions and temperatures across different counties. Some areas require special permits, so it is important to research ahead and allow time for acclimatization.

The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sertar County ranks among the largest Tibetan Buddhist centers in the world and draws thousands of students and practitioners. This hub remains surprising to many visitors because the concentration of religious activity here is extraordinarily high.

Location: Sichuan

Inception: 1955

Capital city: Kangding

Website: https://gzz.gov.cn

GPS coordinates: 30.05250,101.96288

Latest update: December 22, 2025 19:07