Seat of the Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Kangding is a bustling metropolis that serves as a centre for public transport to various places in Kham. As most roads are not well paved and cut across high passes, it normally takes at least 14 days to traverse the breadth of Kham. It is here where one gets the first hands-on experience of Tibetan culture. Powerfully built, dark-faced Khampas stroll in town. Shop names are written in Chinese and Tibetan.
Restaurants offer Tibetan noodle soup with yak meat and buttered tea.
A university offers Tibetan courses and publishes the prefecture's only Tibetan newspaper. There are a few things to do in Kangding, such as visiting Tibetan monasteries and schools, and taking an excursion to a beautiful grazing area, or to a famous hot spring. Or travellers may pass their day the way Khampas do-hanging out in the market, stocking up supplies such as tea bricks, tea churns and other necessities, and sipping tea while getting latest news from other traders. A cheerful Khampa girl. Dege is regarded as the cultural heart of Kham, and the Dege dialect is highly regarded as prestigious.